As part of our Foundation for Jobs campaign, this column is devoted to a young person so they can issue a "give-me-a-chance call to local firms.

Name: Luke Thompson
Age: 18
From: Ferryhill
Looking for: An apprenticeship
Studing: Electrical and mechanical maintenance at South West Durham Training

Luke studied GCSEs at Tudhoe Grange School, in Spennymoor, before deciding to pursue his interest in electrical and mechanical maintenance at South West Durham Training, in Newton Aycliffe.

"I got a good spread of GCSEs from school and then I did a customer service apprenticeship based on football coaching.

"Twice a week I worked with a group of disabled people, teaching them football skills at Aycliffe Youth Centre. It was a really good experience and changes the way you think about things.

"My main thing is that I want to get a trade behind me to go to Australia. I want to emigrate and join other members of my family living out there.

"To employers I would say I am easy going, hard working and straight-forward."

*Any firms able to help Luke in his quest should call 01325 505075 or email barry.nelson@nne.co.uk