What next for the class of 2009?

WHAT NEXT FOR THE CLASS OF 2009?

The class of 2009 will be the first students in a generation to finish their studies in a recession.

With youth unemployment already at 16% and a government cap on the number of university places available this year, what will their future be?

BBC News will be following a group of school leavers from Stoke-on-Trent over the next few months as they enter the world of work, training and more education.

There could also be a chance for you to get involved in the project if you are leaving school, college or university this year.

All you have to do is fill in the form at the bottom of the page and tell us your story.

Let us introduce you to the Class of 2009.

NICOLA BEARDMORE

Age: 18
Studied: BTEC National Diploma travel and tourism, Stoke on Trent College
Dream job: Travel consultant
Interesting fact: She enjoys travelling and meeting new people
Would like to meet: Beyonce (pop singer)
Next step: Looking for work in the travel industry

"I've applied to be a travel agent with all of the big chains but I've heard nothing back. I just don't know what to do. I feel like I've given up.

"I thought I needed to better myself and do something with my life - I've done that and I'm thinking what do I do now?

"I've decided not to go to university as I need the money but how am I going to afford to buy a house and get anything in life on my present part-time wages? And I'm scared that the people who come out of university are going to be better than me with their qualifications."

JACK ADAMS

Age: 18
Studied: BTEC National Diploma public services, Stoke on Trent College
Dream job: District nurse
Interesting fact: Loves rock climbing, skiing, canoeing and kayaking
Would like to meet:Sigmund Freud (psychologist)
Next step: Going to university to study nursing

"I'm going into the public sector but I wouldn't say it's been cushioned by the recession as government funding is taking big hits too.

"I don't worry too much about the recession. I don't know whether that's because I'm ignorant to what's happening or I'm just trying to stay optimistic.

"I'm going to need more money for my studies but I haven't been able to find another part-time job since I lost mine when Woolworths went bust."

MICHAEL CAINE

Age: 19
Studied: A-levels in media, film and critical thinking, City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College
Dream job: Film director
Interesting fact: He loves martial arts
Would like to meet: George A Romero (film director)
Next step: Going to university to study history

"My dilemma is whether to go to university or stay at college. Getting a job just isn't going to happen and I've been trying to find one in the local area.

"I'm not really worried about the competition to get into university as i think I'll have enough points. I'm trying not to think about it too much because it gets me down. This recession is making people's big dreams turn into small realities."

GREG JAMES

Age: 18
Studied: GCSE maths, A-level sociology, BTEC National Certificate in ICT at City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College
Dream job: Computer programmer
Interesting fact: He's very energetic and enthusiastic about life
Would like to meet: Andy Murray (tennis player)
Next step: Find a job using computers

"I've applied for about 15 jobs so far and only heard back from three. I really worry about not getting a job - it's all that's on my mind at the moment. I feel like I'm under great pressure.

"I would think about going to university if I can't get a job but it's too late to apply now. The last thing I want is to do all this work and end up with nothing. I want to earn a living!"

KIMBERLEY BITHELL

Age: 17
Studied: NVQ Level 2 hairdressing, Stoke on Trent College
Dream job: Working on a cruise liner as a hairdresser
Interesting fact: Enjoys socialising with friends
Would like to meet: Beyonce (pop singer)
Next step: Setting herself up as a self-employed hairdresser

"I'm a bit nervous setting up a business and going into something on my own. I might get busy, I might not get busy. If I don't get busy I'm going to have to find myself another job. It really does worry me.

"I work part-time in a salon but even those hours are being cut. They're taking on placements because they're working for free. That's not fair. You need to be able to earn yourself some money."

ALEX CALLAGHAN

Age: 19
Studied: A-levels in history, archaeology and classical civilisation at City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College
Dream job: Historian or history teacher
Interesting fact: He's a Pagan
Would like to meet: Marco Hietala (from metal band Nightwish)
Next step: Going to university to study history

"I've gone round the local pubs and job centres trying to get some extra cash to pay my university fees but I can't find anything.

"Universities capping places does worry me. I've just finished my exams and put a lot of effort in - blood, sweat and tears - and it would be a hollow victory to get the results I need and yet not get a placement."

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BBC News will be following these school leavers over the next few months as they enter the world of work, training and more education.

There could also be a chance for you to get involved in the project if you are leaving school, college or university this year.

All you have to do is fill in the form below and tell us your story.

Name

Your E-mail address

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