'I've applied for over 200 jobs - and I'm still unemployed'

Fatima Rashid has been keeping a spreadsheet of job applications for the past three years.

The 19-year-old decided to leave school at 16 and has been noting down the roles she has tried - and failed - to land.

Her tally stands at 205 - and she's still out of work.

"It's a nightmare," she sighs.

"There's not many opportunities at the moment and the opportunities that are available are for people with experience.

"If you don't have that experience, unfortunately you just don't make the cut."

As Fatima's spreadsheet shows, finding a job in Bradford, one of England's most deprived cities, can be tough.

Recent government data highlights that unemployment in the area is above the regional - and national - average.

On top of that, the number of 18 to 24-year-olds claiming Jobseeker's Allowance - which is capped at £72.90 a week for their age group - is also considerably higher than anywhere else in the region.

So, in a city where more than a third of the population is under 25, just how hard is it for young people trying to find work?

At an apprenticeship fair in Saltaire, it is not just Fatima who is hoping to get a foot on the career ladder.

Computer science graduate Jordan Smith is one of the older job-seekers in the room at 28.

Asked how many roles he has applied for, he admits: "I've lost count.

"It's quite difficult and quite stressful."

After numerous job rejections, Jordan has turned his thoughts to an apprenticeship.

"I want to support my family," he says.

"I do feel like a burden to them sometimes, it can be quite difficult feeling that way."

Some of those we spoke to declined to have their photos featured.

Mum-of-two Amy Allen is the oldest job-seeker in the room, but that has not put her off.

"I have been looking after my son for the last 15 years and it's time for me to get back on the career ladder," says the 36-year-old from Greengates.

Why an apprenticeship?

"I can earn while I learn and meet my family needs."

Amy was a trainee youth worker before becoming pregnant with her son, who has autism. She has spent the last 15 years looking after him and his younger sister, 13.

"I have had to meet his needs before my own," she says.

Amy is ready to return to work, but describes the local job market as "shocking".

"I have applied for over 100 jobs and I have got nothing, not even an interview. I'm at my wits' end. Where do I go, what do I do?

"Nobody is giving the opportunities and I feel my age affects that as well."

Even those in work are struggling to make ends meet, data shows, with almost one in five people in Bradford claiming Universal Credit to help with living costs.

Abdul Hammed currently works at a warehouse, but the 33-year-old has come to the apprenticeship fair in the hope of bettering himself.

"I'm looking to upskill myself, get a good job, then move on from there," he says.

An apprenticeship would provide him with "proper training".

"From there I can get a good job that will pay me more," says Abdul before heading off to speak to recruiters.

According to the economic think tank Centre for Cities, the number of jobs in Bradford increased by just 2.3% over a decade between 2013 and 2023.

A spokesperson said that reflects the "weakness" of the local economy and lack of demand to work in it.

Meanwhile, jobs growth in nearby Leeds was 10 times faster over the same period.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for economy, employment and skills, said a number of apprenticeship fairs had taken place which helped connect "learners with opportunities across a wide range of sectors."

He said: "Apprenticeships open doors to high‑quality careers, and we want people of all ages and backgrounds to feel confident exploring them.

"We will continue working with local employers and education providers to ensure people have the guidance and up‑to‑date information they need to take their next step."

Meanwhile, out of her 205 applications, Fatima has landed just 12 interviews - roughly one in 20.

Her experience, it seems, is not untypical.

"It's mentally frustrating," she admits.

"I would say I'm a strong-willed person, but there are people who I tell and they say 'I would have locked out ages ago'.

"Having the determination to keep doing it is a huge need. If you don't have determination, you are not going to get anywhere."

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