WITH the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Notts higher than it has been for 15 years, the government is putting the spotlight on work experience as a way of getting into the job market.

It is an important part of the Government's plan to get Britain working and is part of the £1bn Youth Contract launched nationally to get 18 to 24-year-olds into work.

Key measures include cash payments to encourage employers to recruit young people and extra support through Jobcentre Plus in the form of weekly, rather than fortnightly, signing-on meetings.

Jordan McKenzie, 18, of Gamston, spent two months on work experience at Wilkinsons in the Broadmarsh shopping centre before Christmas.

Jordan, who wants to become a firefighter, said: "Going into the shop on my first day, I wasn't sure what to expect. But by the end of it the experience had given me key skills such as communicating with customers and learning about how retailing works.

"Work experience has really benefited me because it has boosted my CV and it is appealing to other employers when they see you've shown commitment."

Wilkinsons assistant manager Dave Ramsay said: "Jordan was so keen to get involved. He showed real passion for retail and customer service.

"He was never late, always early and I remember one customer singling him out and saying how helpful he had been.

"Unfortunately we did not have any vacancies at the time Jordan did his work experience, but if we had I would have taken him on."

Blue Inc men's clothes shop in the Broadmarsh has taken on two people after successful work experience placements.

Assistant manager Kieran Tuck said the eight-week programme was better than a job interview: "Work experience is better than a quick interview because employers get more of a chance to know how the person works and their strengths and weaknesses."

Employment minister Chris Grayling said work experience gave people the chance to showcase their talents.