ASTRONAUT, footballer, pop star - what would be your dream job?

That's what the organisers of a new competition want to know.

The Jim'll Fix It-style contest is asking everyone to name their dream job and will offer them a chance to try it out for the day.

The suggestions will have to be a bit more down-to-earth than the examples quoted above, but employers all over York and North Yorkshire are pitching in to give as wide a choice as possible.

Ten winners will be found a day's work placement in their chosen job and anyone is invited to enter - whatever their age.

The competition is being run by North Yorkshire Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) and it aims to show how much advice and support is on offer to help people in the job they are doing or who want to change to another career.

Nicky Brunker, senior marketing adviser, said: "This competition is also for the employers of the region, many of whom are finding it difficult to fill their vacancies.

"We want to demonstrate to employers how we can help them train their workforce in the skills they need.

"The essential ingredient is that employees need to be keen to do the job and learn.

"Employers can support this competition by offering to train enthusiastic and possibly inexperienced applicants, so that they gain skills and qualifications 'on the job'.

"We believe this competition will show how many people are keen to do jobs even if they don't have the right skills or experience - they just need to have the confidence to apply."

YorkBoat is one of the employers supporting the Dream Job campaign. The company recruits about 25 new people as seasonal crew and skippers on its boats. It does not ask for formal qualifications.

Shaun Irving, from YorkBoat, said: "We need people with a positive attitude to life. If they have that, and are willing to learn, we can do the rest."

An independent panel of judges will select the winners.

Entry forms for the competition are available at Jobcentres, Careers Centres and libraries across York and North Yorkshire.

Alternatively you can telephone the Learning Helpline free number on 0800 515547. The closing date is June 30.

janet.hewison@ycp.co.uk

picture: LIVING THE DREAM: Jenni Lackford, skipper at YorkBoat, one of the employers supporting the dream job competition