Student of year unable to find work
Student John Hayhurst has spent the past two years working hard to fulfil his dream of becoming an electrician.
But despite picking up an award naming him student of the year for his electrical installation course the future looks bleak.
John, who finished his course at Preston College last Thursday, is one of many students struggling in the current economic climate to secure himself a job or an apprenticeship.
The 18-year-old, of Meadow Close, Clifton, said: "There just is not anything out there. No matter how hard you look, you won't find one.
"It's a bit depressing. The past two years have been for nothing really.
"I've been looking anywhere that has anything to do with electrical installation. I've been interested in it since high school.
"I want to get my apprenticeship and start my own little business but I think I'll have to get any old job to keep me going."
John has had adverts placed in the Lancashire Evening Post and a local magazine and even has a sign in his mum's car appealing for vacancies.
But he has so far drawn a frustrating blank.
John was awarded the City and Guilds Electrical Servicing Student of the Year shield at the Construction and Manufacturing Academy's annual ceremony at the Invincibles Pavilion at Deepdale in front of proud mum Lorraine Hulme.
She said: "I just despair really because he's always wanted to be one. To see his enthusiasm go down so much, it's heartbreaking.
"My heart goes out to all the youth of today who choose to work hard at their study only to have their hopes and dreams dashed under the current economic climate."
Sandra Martland curriculum manager for apprenticeships, said: "As one of the leading providers of apprenticeships in the North West, Preston College offers a variety of options for people wishing to follow an apprenticeship.
"In the current climate it is proving a challenge to provide all apprentices with employment due to the lack of companies currently recruiting, specifically in the construction and engineering sectors.
"Preston College is working to recruit employers with vacancies so that we can place those students."
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 14 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
