JOBLESS young people are looking forward to being the first in the county to build homes and then live in them, as part of a project aimed at getting them into work.

Twenty unemployed people, aged 18 to 25, will help build homes in Ruscote, Banbury, which 10 of them will move into as tenants.

Organisers of the scheme believe it will help tackle both unemployment and a local housing shortage.

The trainee builders will help construct 10 maisonette-style one-bedroom homes and 11 parking spaces at a former allotment site behind Miller Road.

The project, which is a joint initiative between Cherwell District Council, Southwark Habitat for Humanity, and Sanctuary Housing, will cost £1.3m and earn the youngsters construction qualifications.

The scheme was given planning permission by the district council last week.

Colin Clarke, district councillor and mayor of Banbury, said: “It’s an admirable use of the land.

“I find it exciting that 20 young people will be learning skills, and that 10 will then get to rent the properties at the end of it.”

The self-build pilot scheme has already secured a £324,000 grant from Oxfordshire Public Services Board and £324,000 from the district council. Organisers have also made a funding bid for £520,000 to the Homes and Community Agency.

The young people would be expected to study construction skills and be up early to work on the site.

Southwark Habitat for Humanity said 10 young people would take part in the first stage of the project, due to start in November.

They will be involved in digging the foundations, building timber frames and laying bricks three days a week.

So far 24 young people have applied to take part in the scheme. The trainees will be chosen after a series of interviews.

Next summer, another 10 young people will be selected to finish the buildings, learning skills such as plastering and painting.

At the end of the project, which is due to finish in early 2012, the district council will decide which 10 people should become tenants.

It will base its decision on individual housing need, local connections, and whether they have stayed the course and been assessed as good tenants.

If successful, the scheme could be rolled out across the county.

Michael Gibbard, the council’s executive member for planning and housing, said: “One of our primary aims is to empower local young people to help them secure employment and take part in the community.”

Ward councillor Keith Strangwood said: “When the project is complete, preference will be given to those with a local connection who are in employment or full time training.”

A similar project in Coventry saw half of the original 16 young people drop out.