Aspiring radio DJs and producers will be offered a chance of training this half term as part of a long running youth employment initiative.

Loughton Youth Project, a charity which helps 13 to 24-year-olds with employment skills, is offering a one-day workshop entitled Introduction to Radio on Thursday.

The course will include presenting and production skills and participants will be invited back the following day to record a podcast showreel.

The charity has been running for five years following its success as part of a local government initiative to get young people involved in employment and training.

The project, based at The Space, next to Loughton Library in Trap’s Hill, Loughton, provides CV and job interview advice other employment support in partnership with Jobcentre Plus.

General Manager Nick Robinson, said: “We already produce a weekly podcast and music show and we are hoping to set up a fully functioning radio station by April next year.

“We’ve had about 500 guests on the podcasts this year and we see about 50 young people every week.”

There are around four volunteers who regularly help out and the charity also provides work experience.

Jake Shneider, 19, is a former student of the project, but now volunteers as the chief sound engineer.

He said: “It’s important for people to get out there and sell themselves and get as much experience as possible.”

Liam Lucien, 24, has been involved with the project for two years and teaches young people how to use computer software.

The charity relies on commissions from local authorities or grant funding from bodies such as the National Lottery, Charles S French Trust and Grange Farm Trust.

Thursday's training will take place from 10am to 5pm and costs £5, with lunch included.

Contact Nick Robinson at nick.lyp@gmail.com or on 07967 726 851.