Aspect launches unemployment bootcamp to select apprentice handymen

More than 50 unemployed people have applied for the unemployment bootcamp taking place this morning by London property maintenance company Aspect.

Applicants will undergo an endurance test, coordination, numeracy and English test in Round One; before a small group of successful candidates go on to complete a skills test to make a box.

Aspect hopes hope that a youngster shines through and picks up a handyman apprenticeship.

There was controversy last week when it was revealed Job Centre Plus requested that the organisers change the name to 'handyperson', something the they were not prepared to do.

The event is the first of its kind whereby young people vie for a job from a private company.

"We all need to do our bit," says Will Davies the company's co-director. "From our side, we feel if young people can show that they are made of stern stuff, and then skills can be moulded to them. It's an attitude shift we need to see from young people. We're hoping that the unemployment bootcamp will go someway in creating this necessary movement in the right direction".

The ratio of entrants is 60% foreign and 40% British.

"We wanted to see that ratio tipped in the other direction," said Davies.

"Our concerns at aspect.co.uk have long been that British young people don't want to work, and here they are being pipped at the post by foreigners. We want the Brits to make a good showing tomorrow, and show to us all that they have the willpower and commitment to make it in the work world."