Two projects which aim to get out-of-work ethnic minority youngsters into rewarding careers were hailed by employers, trainees and independent analysts at a Bradford conference on diversity.

The YouthBuild schemes, one centring on construction and the second on finance and banking, have helped transform the lives of hundreds of youngsters from troubled backgrounds.

Employment Minister Gerry Sutcliffe led the praise for the programmes at the Awards and Applause conference at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, which celebrated the success of employers which have diversified their workforce.

Mr Sutcliffe said it was vital that diversity was "not just a buzz word" and that firms recognised the potential commercial and social benefits.

And he said the YouthBuild schemes, run by the B&N Group, were the kind of initiative Government was keen to support.

The delegates, representing employers and other organisations, heard inspirational stories from young people who had been through the YouthBuild project. It offers youngsters training, personal development support and placements with firms.

Iftiqar Hussain, 22, told how he had almost given up on getting a career in construction after being knocked back by a stream of firms which were reluctant to consider taking on Asian youngsters. But, after working with YouthBuild, he landed a job as a joiner with construction giant Frank Haslam Milan.

Mohammed Qadeer, 21, admitted he had been used to a life "as a naughty boy" until being transformed by YouthBuild, and he is now working as a joiner for Bramall Construction.

Peter Thompson, head of construction at Bradford College, said YouthBuild had helped dramatically increase the number of ethnic minority students on his course. The success of the construction programme has now seen the concept extended to the banking and finance sectors, through the 'FAB' scheme.

Chris Hill, an independent consultant brought in to evaluate the success of the FAB programme, said it was the best of its type he had ever seen.

Iain Cornish, chief executive of Bradford-based Yorkshire Building Society which has taken on students of the FAB programme, said: "This scheme makes a real difference to the lives of the people who take part in it. I can truly recommend the scheme to any employer; it has given us access to employees we might not otherwise have seen."

For details about YouthBuild, telephone (01274) 767887.