There have been two surveys published this week which shed very different light on the subject of young people and work.

First, the least edifying of the two studies was reported in yesterday’s Telegraph & Argus and painted the rather bleak picture that a third of British school children who leave school with poor qualifications expect to end up on benefits.

The research, carried out by the Prince’s Trust charity, found that many children sadly “abandon their ambitions” while still at school.

It is true that the employment situation, especially for young people, is more challenging today than it has been for some time. But hope is not to be utterly abandoned, and the report in today’s newspaper adds a slightly different complexion.

According to research company ICM, more than half of young people would choose to do an apprenticeship if offered one. So while some might feel there is little hope, others are ready to grasp whatever opportunities are out there.

Apprenticeships is something we have been focusing on with our Foundation for Jobs campaign.

We want job creation for young people to be made a major issue and are hoping to forge links between educational establishments and industry so that young people leaving school do so with the right qualifications and vocational training that our local companies are looking for in new recruits.

Apprenticeships allow school-leavers to train for a career in a work-place environment, and give businesses access to keen, local and enthusiastic youngsters. It’s a win-win situation that could just set Bradford’s employment landscape on the road to recovery.