Jobless youngsters in Highfield are to be given the task of rebuilding their community.

The team of young apprentices will receive college training while carrying out regeneration projects.

The four-strong team will begin by repairing tree planters and bringing an empty building back into use.

They will then try to win contracts with other organisations such as Bradford Council, housing associations, regeneration partnerships and charities.

If eventually successful the project will be expanded into a not-for-profit business employing apprentices from across the whole of Keighley.

The new firm would tackle both the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry -- an estimated 30,000 nationwide -- and the high number of long-term unemployed in Highfield and the rest of Keighley.

The trailblazing initiative is being spearheaded by Highfield Single Regeneration Budget, which is revitalising the area with £4 million of government cash.

Local people have already been employed by firms carrying out SRB house-repair work and environmental improvements around Highfield.

But SRB bosses want to ensure that there is a long-term future for some of the youngsters trained in skills such as a brick-laying and roofing.

A pilot "Highfield Rebuild" project was approved last week by the SRB board. It will employ a project manager and four unemployed people from Highfield and the Keighley area.

The apprentices will be paid a wage as they refurbish 30 tree planters -- previously provided with SRB funding -- and repair a redundant building in Highfield.

They will also attend a four-week foundation course at Keighley College, followed by day-release lessons while working.

Meanwhile the project manager will liaise with organisations across the region, including regeneration partnerships in other towns, in the hope of winning future contracts.

These could include minor house repairs, environmental work, energy efficiency improvements, property and garden cleaning, walling and land clearance.

If such work can be found, Highfield Rebuild will be expanded and continue after SRB funding runs out in 2004.

The pilot project will reveal the feasibility of running a larger community business, showing how quickly untrained people can be given the necessary skills.