Despite applying for around six jobs a week, Jason - a 24 year old man from Southampton - had only had a handful of interviews and had received no job offers.

However now he is in work – thanks to a charity scheme backed by our local paper the Daily Echo.

The Life Chances scheme which is run by Southampton-based charity the Rainbow Project - helps disadvantaged young people in the area who are struggling to find work by offering them part time jobs for a year.

Jason was referred to the Rainbow Project by the Wheatsheaf Trust, which had been helping him look for work. Jason has been working in the highways maintenance team at Balfour Beatty Living Places for five months, filling in potholes and putting up road signs.

“I love it,” he says. “It’s all out doors and hands on. I prefer hands on work and I like working in a team. It’s fantastic to be in work again.”

Laura Coleman, who runs the Rainbow Project, says she has had excellent feedback from Balfour Beatty, who are delighted with Jason’s commitment and hard work.

Jane Richards, business manager at Balfour Beatty Living Places said: “We are pleased to have Jason working with us. “He is making very good progress, is hardworking and reliable and is gaining valuable experience of the workplace.”

In addition to his work placement, the Rainbow Project also provides Jason with a mentor who he sees on a fortnightly basis and training to help him find a permanent job in the future.

Jason is going to be studying literacy and numeracy at college in September and says that seeing his mentor has been a great help.

For more information about the Life Chances scheme, visit therainbowproject.co.uk or call 023 8022 3525.