Ladder for the Black Country: Doctor to help cure jobs crisis

For the latest organisations to sign up is Dr Anne Wakeman and her partners at the Russell House surgery in Codsall, who want a trainee to help out in the administration officer, as well as manning reception.

Practice manager Lynn Fern said the surgery in Bakers Way was looking for somebody who would be good at dealing sensitively with a variety of different people, and added that maintaining patient confidentiality was paramount. Shesaid the ideal applicant would have good computer skills and would be good at managing their workload. She added: "It is a nice job for somebody who likes working with people, as you get all sorts of people coming through the door."

"We're in a very nice area of Codsall. We don't mind what age they are, it can be for a more mature person or a younger person."

Also signing up to the campaign this week, which aims to tackle the youth unemployment crisis in the region, is the Coseley School in Dudley borough which has offered to take on one apprentice.

The campaign has proved a huge success since it was launched in the Express & Star just a month ago. Deputy editor Diane Davies said: "It is fantastic to see so many interesting and varied career opportunities being offered through the Ladder for the Black Country for young people.

"We would urge any other firms who could offer apprenticeships, even if it is just one, to sign up to the Ladder. And any young people looking for a career opportunity or to get out of the dole queues should ring the hotline. We are grateful to all the businesses who have stepped up so far."

The Ladder for the Black Country hotline is 03332 409699 or visit ladderfortheblackcountry.co.uk

The site has received 2,200 visits since it was launched last month. Sales and marketing co-ordinator Lucie Donegan said: "Most of them are new visitors, looking for the first time."