Young trainees learning construction skills in Bradford were in Brussels today representing the UK at a European convention on social exclusion and employment of young people.

One project only from each EU member state was represented at the one-day convention organised by the European Youth Forum.

The Bradford trainees were taking part in a training and employment project called YouthBuild which has been selected from over a dozen projects in the UK.

The aim of the convention is to draw the attention of European decision-makers to good practice and contributions by young people in tackling problems of social exclusion and unemployment.

Two of the YouthBuild trainees, Dawoud Hussain and Erfan Sadiq, both 17, will share their experiences of the project while Ehjaz Gull, community development co-ordinator at B&N Housing, which is responsible for the overall co-ordination of the project, will talk about the programme's successes, obstacles and political perspectives.

The YouthBuild project was launched in 1997 to encourage more youngsters from the inner-city ethnic minority community into the construction industry.

The trainees gain work experience converting run-down properties - donated to the project by social housing provider B&N Housing - while also achieving NVQ qualifications in building, plastering, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and decorating skills.

Before the YouthBuild programme was started, only four young men from the ethnic minority community were following modern apprenticeships in construction.

The pilot programme encouraged 12 trainees into the course, and this year 31 students have been recruited.

As well as developing practical skills, the project aims to enhance business and personal skills.

Erfan has been training to be a plumber since he joined last September.

He said: "I have learned so many skills besides plumbing - skills such as time management, interview techniques, CV writing and team building," he said.

" I think the YouthBuild project provides excellent training and my long-term aim is to run my own plumbing business."

Ehjaz Gull said: "It is a great honour to be selected to represent the UK at the European convention and I am sure the trainees will enjoy the experience and learn a great deal from it."

Public and private companies in the Yorkshire area have been supporting the project and funding has been provided by the Manningham and Girlington Single Regeneration Budget programme, Bradford and District TEC as well as European funds.

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