A HAMPSHIRE MP has welcomed an initiative that will stop jobless teenagers being “scarred” by unemployment.

The county has been picked to join a trial to put 16 and 17-year-olds through a ‘UCAS-style’ system to stop them drifting onto the dole.

It comes as the Daily Echo continues its Give Me a Chance campaign, which matches jobseekers with employers.

Fareham MP Mark Hoban said: “Whenever anyone is out of the workplace for a significant amount of time it can damage their skills, motivation and self-confidence.

“Unemployment can be especially damaging for those who are at the foothills of their careers and can leave them scarred for the rest of their working lives.

“ I believe we need to ensure our young people get the best start in life by ensuring they remain in education, start an apprenticeship or gain valuable hands-on experience in the world of work.”

The new scheme enables teenagers to use a ‘one-stop-shop’ website, which provides details of college courses, apprenticeships, traineeships and work experience to help them plan their next move.