TODAY The Citizen launches an appeal aimed at getting 100 young people into work – in just 100 days.

We've joined forces with businesses, the Government and education bosses to give a future to those who currently face uncertainty in the jobs market.

The campaign – which we've launched together with our sister paper the Gloucestershire Echo – has already been backed by two top Government ministers.

Called 100inONEHUNDRED, the initiative has also been supported by Gloucestershire College, the National Apprenticeship Service and Gloucestershire First.

Currently a quarter of the 12,207 people unemployed in the county are aged 18-24.

But Gloucestershire businesses are crying out for people to learn new skills to help their industries fight the recession.

At the launch event, the biggest applause went to Gloucestershire apprentice Stevan Andjelkovic.

The 19-year-old gave a moving speech about how his decision to become a plumbing and heating apprentice had been "one of the best decisions" of his life.

Stevan explained how he had become an apprentice in plumbing and heating with Leckhampton-based Mark Holland Group and studies at Gloucestershire College.

"I chose to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to do something practical and 'hands-on' but still mentally challenging," he said.

"In my opinion becoming an apprentice has been one of the best decisions of my life and will hopefully lead me to a rewarding and worthwhile career."

Apprenticeships Minister Iain Wright MP spoke when more than 120 of the county's leading businessmen and women packed the launch event at Cheltenham's Hotel du Vin on Wednesday.

And yesterday, Minister for the South West Jim Knight also added his support on a visit to Gloucestershire College's Gloucester campus.

Mr Knight said: "I think it is brilliant that newspapers are working together with colleges like this. Particularly with the country's economic climate as it is at the moment, we need to promote apprenticeships and protect the future. We have to get parents onside too, they need to believe that it is worthwhile.

"I think it's great that gender stereotypes are being broken down as well and that we are seeing girls doing mechanics and boys doing hairdressing. It doesn't matter who you are or what you want to be, you can achieve it through an apprenticeship."

At the launch, The Citizen's editor Ian Mean invited companies to sign a giant cut-out barometer which will show how many apprenticeships have been created.

Yesterday many local firms had taken the campaign to their hearts with indications that up to 35 new apprenticeships have already been pledged.

"We want to encourage firms, your firms, to sign up to take on 100 apprentices in 100 days. You might think that is a pretty tall order but we are confident we are going to achieve it," said Mr Mean.

"And at the end of the 100 days we are going to invite the Prime Minister of the day, whether it be Gordon Brown or a new premier, to come to Gloucestershire and celebrate with us.

"This is not a quick fix, we are going to keep this going."

The Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Sir Henry Elwes said last year a record seven county firms won Queen's Awards for Enterprise.

He said: "That sort of success only comes from well-trained staff and good morale."

And speaking at the launch, Mr Wright added: "It really pays in every possible sense to have apprentices."

Simone Mann, co-founder of Cheltenham's Commercial Group explained how her company had recently taken on two young apprentices and spoke of the benefits.

"They are a real breath of fresh air. They absolutely love it and see their future as working at Commercial," she said. "It is a great way for us to build our company."