"This was my last chance," says David Trainer. "If I didn't get anything out of this, I don't think I'd ever have got a decent enough job."

"This was my last chance," says David Trainer. "If I didn't get anything out of this, I don't think I'd ever have got a decent enough job."

The 17-year-old, from Easterhouse, is one of 30 disadvantaged young people facing a lifetime on benefits but now finding work in the construction industry, thanks to an innovative project that will be outlined to Scotland's politicians today.

The charity NCH Scotland is showing that young people from difficult backgrounds can be helped into work with the use of one-to-one support.

The majority of the young people helped by the NCH Youthbuild projects have experienced chaotic and unstable lifestyles.

"I didn't like school," says David. "I ended up leaving when I was 14, with no qualifications."

David was given a place on a council programme, attending John Wheatley College, in Glasgow's east end, where he took classes in bricklaying, plastering and painting and decorating.

"I knew this was an opportunity. I made a lot of progress and ended up with a couple of award certificates."

NCH Youthbuild approached David and found him a training opportunity with housebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel.

His efforts will be rewarded this summer when he formally starts his four-year painting and decorating apprenticeship.

Rachel Edwards, his NCH Youthbuild project worker, said: "We've seen David come on in leaps and bounds. Since he got his opportunity, he's worked hard, he's been motivated and he's a valued member of the team."