A teenager who became the first jobseeker to take part in a work experience program organised by Kings Langley businesses has landed himself a part-time job.

Aidan Finucane, 19, secured work at Classic Autos on High Street after spending time at five businesses in the village last month.

Although initially working one day a week, he is also receiving help and support to find work in the IT industry after wowing bosses by fixing a problem with the company’s computer.

Mr Finucane, of Friars Way, Bushey, had previously been looking for work since last September when he finished a BTEC course in IT at West Herts College.

He said: "It has been good, very helpful and has given me a lot more confidence.

"Being put in all different types of places was useful; I enjoyed working in the coffee shop, that was just a lot of fun.

"I feel that if they are being nice enough to let you come in and work there then you have got to make the most of it.

"When you are unemployed you can lose confidence quickly but I would recommend anybody who hasn’t got a job should give this scheme a go as it will give you the confidence to try and get a job.

"It worked out well for me because I got a part time job at the garage and they are helping me to try and find an apprenticeship in IT."

Around a dozen businesses in the village are now signed up to the scheme, which is understood to be the first of its kind anywhere in the country to be run by local business volunteers.

It is being supported by the Jobcenter Plus and has won over Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning who invited Jeff Folkins, one of the main figures behind the program, down to Westminster to discuss the plan with employment minister Chris Grayling.

Interest is rapidly growing in the project with a number of jobseekers already lined up to take part.

Jeff Folkins, owner of delicatessen and wine merchant Dalling and Co, said: "He [Aidan] did really well and that is shown by the fact he has been offered a couple of different interviews.

"There were some things he found better than others but he told us some of the things he wasn’t looking forward to doing he actually enjoyed.

"He seemed to work really well and overall we were really happy and impressed with him."

Mr Folkins added that he thought the village’s bustling business community, which has seen five new businesses open in the last six months, created the perfect environment for the scheme.