THIRTY-FIVE teenagers from across Inverclyde have begun the battle to land a top job in The Recruit 2012 contest.

The competitors were selected to take part in Inverclyde's award-winning personal development programme for young people following a record number of applications from fifth and sixth year pupils.

The winner will receive a year-long job contract with a local company that is yet to be revealed - complete with a �14,000 salary.

It is expected that further jobs will also be announced as the programme progresses throughout the summer.

The Recruit is loosely based on TV hit The Apprentice and the Inverclyde youngsters will be put through a variety of business related challenges over the coming months.

The scheme will test their performance, attitude, potential and personal drive, as well as their determination and employability skills.

The Recruit is now in its sixth year and a total of 34 young people have secured jobs as a direct result of the programme, with a number of others landing work on the back of their experience.

This year's Recruits told the Tele they had applied to join the programme for a variety of reasons.

Roisin Campbell, 17, from Inverclyde Academy, said: "I want to gain more self-confidence and improve my skills." Robbie Wilson, 16, of Notre Dame, added: "It is an amazing opportunity and will give me the chance to develop skills and give me knowledge I can use in business." Connor McLeod, 17, also of Notre Dame, told the Telegraph: "I would like to meet new friends, develop skills and gain experience for my future career." And Megan Duffy, 16, of St Columba's said: "It was an opportunity I just couldn't pass up." The Recruits have already taken part in a three-day outdoor challenge at Auchengillan, enjoying team-building activities like abseiling, rock climbing, raft building and kayaking - many of them overcoming personal fears of height and water along the way.

A spokesman for The Recruit programme said: "The three-day start was a great success.

"Early indicators suggest we are in for a great programme this year - all of the young people are a credit to Inverclyde."