The desperate chase to find work faced by young people in Bradford has been revealed by the fact that 563 applicants are chasing six places on an apprenticeship scheme.

Bosses at housing group Incommunities say it received almost 94 applications for each place in its bid to recruit budding joiners, plumbers and electricians – with 50 per cent of the candidates aged under 18.

Bradford West MP George Galloway (Respect) vowed to raise the problem of youth unemployment in the district in Parliament.

He said: “It’s a stunning statistic. They make a lie of the idea that young people want to be on benefits. It shows the level of determination young people have to find jobs.

“It’s both heartbreaking and shameful that these young people are struggling to find employment.”

Incommunities, the district’s largest social landlord, said 21 per cent of the 563 applicants for the training scheme – which was started to coincide with the Telegraph & Argus Apprenticeship Challenge to create 100 apprenticeship places in 100 days – have formal trades qualifications.

A selection process will take place in June and July with the successful recruits starting training in August.

Delroy Beverley, director of Incommunities’ Propertysolutions, who is responsible for managing the apprenticeship programme, said: “The selection process is very competitive for the six places available and we will be working with our partners to help those candidates that may miss out to realise their career aspirations in the sector.”

Bradford East MP David Ward (Lib Dem) said while the Bradford area did an “excellent job” of helping under-16s classed as ‘NEETs’ – not in education, employment or training – there was a “desperate need” for jobs for people aged 18 and 19. He said: “We need to sell to businesses the benefits of apprenticeships. We are holding a business forum at Morrisons next week organised by Inspired Neighbourhoods with 200 businesses. Creating apprenticeships that lead to jobs is the most crucial thing.”

In April, Bradford Council announced a £4.5 million investment in tackling youth unemployment through a two-year Employment Opportunities Fund, encouraging young people to complete work-based qualifications and businesses to create new jobs.

The Telegraph & Argus reported last week how 150 apprenticeship places have so far been pledged by employers as part of the Apprenticeship Challenge – smashing the target of 100 with a week to go.