Unemployed people will have the chance to learn new skills when the Have a Go Roadshow rolls into Midsomer Norton on Monday.

The roadshow, which is organised by Connexions and Bath and North East Somerset Council and supported by Norton Radstock College, is part of the national World Skills campaign.

Becca Thurston, the Have a Go organiser at Norton Radstock College, said the first roadshow in Bath had been an exciting event with organisations such as Bath City Farm, the Prince's Trust and the Natural Theatre Company attending, which all offer free short courses to help unemployed people, many of them running from the Southside Youth Hub.

Ms Thurston said: "A high proportion of B&NES young people who are not in employment, education or training live within the Whiteway area and taking provision to them is an innovative way of tackling employment and engagement. Without the support of the council we would be unable to reach them. Anyone who is looking for work, not sure what to do next or which career path to choose will be able to have a go at all sorts of activities which may inspire a future career.

"Activities will include bricklaying, carpentry, nail art, catering, horticulture, music and engineering, and we'll have advisors on hand to give general information and advice about careers and looking for work."

Jacqui Bonardi, team manager at Connexions in Bath, said: "At a time when youth unemployment is at an all-time high, providing opportunities like this and developing skills for employment is of tremendous importance for both young people and local employers."

Youth workers from the Southside Youth Hub will be able to let young people know about opportunities available to them when the roadshow stops off at Sainsbury's in Midsomer Norton on Monday.

Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown St John), deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: "We're pleased to be part of this worthwhile initiative. B&NES is committed to improving the life chances of young people and this roadshow will offer them new skills to help themselves in the future."

Norton Radstock College is aiming for more than 1,000 completed activities during the Have a Go events. Anyone aged 16 or over is welcome to attend and help contribute towards the World Skills national target of one million Have a Go opportunities.

Each roadshow will also be attended by a B&NES Jobmother, a specialist in job search, CV writing, employability skills and job coaching.

For more information visit www.nortcoll.ac.uk or call Mrs Thurston on 01761 433161.