THERE has been much talk recently about the lack of opportunities for 16 to 24-yearolds in today’s job market.

The Daily Echo should be applauded for its ‘Give me a chance’ campaign for young people looking for a start on the career ladder.

I feel very sorry indeed for these youngsters as in 1979 when I left school, it was a very different scenario.

I remember being at registration and the school tannoy sounded and the headmaster informed us imminent school leavers that it was ‘Careers Day’ in the school hall at lunch time.

Myself and my mates all assembled to talk to the many stalls that prospective employers had to tempt us to work for them.

I remember very vividly that there were stalls for Ford, Vosper Thornycroft, Eastleigh Railways, Pirelli, AC Delco, Mullards, British American Tobacco, Philips, The Construction Industry Training Board, Southampton Engineering Training Association and many more.

Just like Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses they touted their wares to us – “All right lads, loads of apprenticeships available with us, we want to see you with us in September lads.

£21-50 a week lads, all your overalls and work gear supplied and a generous tool allowance as well. Best of luck lads and thanks for talking to us, hope to see you in September.”

Then on to the next employer with virtually the same banter.

They needed US not us needing THEM.

Manufacturing was still going strong then and it is no coincidence that it was 1979 when Margaret Thatcher entered number 10 and manufacturing died a slow and painful death.

How my heart aches for the young job seekers these days who have nothing like the full range of opportunities we had back then.

That 1979 government was the worst thing to ever happen to this country’s industry and it is the youth of today that now pay the price.

Roy Kingdon, Sholing, Southampton