The country’s future prosperity relies largely on today’s schoolchildren going on to build successful careers in a variety of industries.

But with high youth unemployment, and school-leavers facing a challenging jobs market, the future for many youngsters can look bleak.

For pupils with low self-esteem and confidence, or lacking the drive to work hard at school, there is often little inspiration. A survey carried out by educational charity Future First found that nearly 40 per cent of students don’t know anyone in an interesting job, or the kind of job they would aspire to.

And that, according to the charity, is where former students come in.

Future First sets up alumni networks, enabling schools to draw on the skills and expertise of former students who become role models for current pupils. The charity’s vision is that state secondary schools and colleges should be supported by a community of former students now in employment, inspiring youngsters to succeed at school and work towards a career.

Future First managing director Alex Shapland-Howes says alumni networks represent a strong resource for schools – providing role models, mentors, work experience providers, governors, even financial donors.

“A YouGov poll carried out by Future First revealed that nearly 70 per cent of 16 to 19-year-olds believe it will be hard to get a good job. It makes for depressing reading,” says Alex. “We know the problem is particularly serious among students from more disadvantaged backgrounds. Research from The Prince’s Trust found that one-in-four young people say ‘people like them’ don’t succeed in life.

“Unemployment statistics are no doubt contributing to young people’s impressions of how hard it is to get a job, particularly in cities like Bradford where youth unemployment is among the highest in the country. In some areas, the proportion of young people claiming out-of-work benefits is double the national average.”

But, says Alex, employers are still struggling to find the right people to fill jobs. “A report by management consultants McKinsey found that less than half of employers find enough skilled candidates for their entry-level jobs.

“The cure’s not simple. One vital step is to rebuild the confidence of young people, let them know there’s a place for them in the world of work and help them develop the skills to get there. Lose sight of the job at the end of the tunnel and it’s not long before those exams seem less worth working for.”

Secondary schools and colleges in the Bradford district are among 500 nationwide registered with Future First.

“If students see that someone who grew up in the same area and sat in the same school chairs as they now do has achieved a rewarding job, they’re more likely to believe they can too,” says Alex.

“Hearing from somebody who went to the same school, now in employment, can transform students’ confidence, motivation to work hard and knowledge of the right steps to take. All three are key to getting on to the job ladder.”

Alex says private schools have been operating such networks for years, with former pupils often acting as mentors and providing work experience. Future First aims to make it easier for state schools and colleges to do the same.

“Since last May, 33,000 former students registered with us, offering to go back into their old schools to talk with current pupils about their careers,” says Alex.

“They’re making a difference by being work experience providers, career role models, mentors and e-mentors and as governors, fundraisers and donors.

“While it’s imperative that the Government and businesses do more to create jobs and opportunities for young people, we believe everyone has something to offer. We can all volunteer our time to share our experience with young people, and help ensure that school-leavers are equipped with the confidence to believe that “people like them” do succeed.”

Last year, the charity received a Cabinet Office grant to offer its programme free to the first 500 schools which signed up. All the places went within three weeks, and schools and colleges are continuing to register.

As well as building an infrastructure for alumni-building, Future First runs in-school alumni events, offers e-mentoring opportunities and develops profile websites.

The charity also runs an Employers Programme, connecting schoolchildren to employers.

For more information, visit futurefirst.org.uk.