Bradford NHS workers are giving young people job tips to try to plug gaps in the district's healthcare workforce.

The Positive Images recruitment scheme has been launched by Bradford Health Partnership and is set to run for two years.

Its organisers said the aim was to create an NHS workforce which was representative of the local community.

The latest Government statistics show that in March there were 211 vacancies for qualified nurses and 73 for medical and dental staff in West Yorkshire - 61 of which were consultant roles.

Through the Bradford project, young people interested in careers in health complete mock application forms, undergo interviews and learn about different roles from NHS staff.

The partnership is comprised of the two NHS trusts which run hospitals in the district, the four primary care trusts, Bradford District Care Trust, which runs mental heath services, and the University of Bradford.

Gill Ward, recruitment project officer, said it all began with a successful two-month pilot project. This led to the two-year scheme which was launched in March.

Schools or community groups can sign up to take part and young people are initially sent application forms, job description and personal specifications for their chosen field.

After completing the documents they are given feedback on their performance.

A team also visits to give students mock interviews while NHS workers speak about their roles and how they got them.

"We found young people had the information but they didn't know how to gear that to an application form," said Mrs Ward.

"We want to raise awareness of different careers in the NHS and different access routes into the professions. For example, you don't have to go to university - you can come in as a trainee."

She said the scheme was already proving successful.

"It has been very positive and well-received by students and teachers.

"The students who have taken part in the workshops are coming across with much more polished skills."

Originally targeted at students on courses such as GNVQ Health and Social Care and focusing on nursing careers, the scheme is to be expanded to involve more students and other careers.

More schools have booked the course for the autumn but Mrs Ward said they were also keen to speak to community groups.

Any groups who would like to get involved should ring (01274) 365585.