David Caddens, 21, has gone from being on the dole for more than six months to being a commis chef at Rogano in Royal Exchange Square, after discovering a talent for cooking.

A head chef at his placement with Sense Scotland spotted his potential and helped him find work after his spell with the charity, which was funded by the Future Jobs Fund set up under the last UK Government.

While at Sense Scotland, David met Glasgow MP and deputy Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who congratulated him on his appointment.

Mr Caddens said: "I'm excited to be starting my job at the Rogano.

"The Future Jobs Fund was the difference between being in work and being out of work.

"Sense Scotland made the difference. They gave me an opportunity, supported me and I want to thank them for that.

"I am really looking forward to working at the Rogano and, like Sense Scotland, I am sure it will be a fantastic place to work."

Mr Caddens, from Glasgow, left school aged 15 and started work as a marquee erector.

He was paid off four months after his 18th birthday and was unemployed for six months.

Through the job centre he was later offered an interview at Sense Scotland for a Future Jobs Fund work placement, and secured 30 hours a week for six months.

Mr Sarwar said: "David's story is a telling reminder that at a time when the news is full of doom regarding youth unemployment, many of Glasgow's young people are working hard and making a life for themselves.

"The Future Jobs Fund was a fantastic scheme that helped countless people.

"I am delighted that thanks to the Future Jobs Fund, Sense Scotland and David's own talent and hard work, he has been able secure the career at one of Glasgow's finest restaurants."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk