An electronics boss has backed a controversial Government work experience programme, calling it a “win-win” for his firm and young people.

Nick Allsworth said the unpaid scheme offered vital training as well as labour for Witney electronics firm Vigortronix.

And those who have taken part said it massively boosted their confidence, with one staying on at the firm full time.

The unpaid scheme and similar programmes have courted controvsery recently, being likened to “slave labour”.

The work experience scheme used by Vigortronix is voluntary for those aged 16 to 24 who have been on Jobseeker’s Allowance for 13 weeks.

Mr Allsworth said: “They get coached and trained so they can get a job at the end of it. It is a win-win situation.”

The firm has taken on four young people for eight week periods, three of whom are now in work.

With the recession still biting, Mr Allsworth said they fill Jobs that might have been difficult to fund because of peaks and troughs in demand. But he said: “We get some extra labour but we put in as much as they do.”

Emily Brake, 20, of Station Road, South Leigh, said her two months at the firm had stopped her anxiety attacks and made her more confident in her search for work.

She said: “Asking somebody if they wanted a cup of tea was like a mission but I was helped out a lot and now I love chatting to people.”

Tom Shore, 21, of Church Green, Witney, dropped out of a sports science degree at the University of Worcester to focus on a career in sales but said finding work was hard.

Vigortronix bosses were so impressed with his work they gave him a full-time job.

He said: “The way things are with the recession, anything that is going to help you get a job is beneficial.”

Mr Allsworth said: “He has been absolutely fantastic. He has stepped up to the bar and done everything we wanted and more.”

Witney Jobcentre Plus spokes-man Julie Shaw said the scheme gives “invaluable experience and plays a vital part in helping people into work”.

Oxford East Labour MP Andrew Smith said he backs schemes that give “real work experience”.

He said: “It is crucial there is an element of real on the job training and people aren’t being exploited.”

Work schemes attracted controversy when critics labelled them “slave labour”, leading to some high-profile businesses pulling out.

The work programme is aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds who have been unemployed for at least nine months.

Those offered the scheme – which hit headlines when Boots quit last week – risk losing benefits if they refuse to take part.

The voluntary work experience scheme used by Vigortronix is offered to 16 to 24-year-olds after 13 weeks of claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Burger King, bookshop Waterstones and electrical retailer Maplin have left the scheme but ministers last week said scheme dropouts would no longer risk losing benefits.

A third scheme offers six-week voluntary placements for 16 to 24s which guarantees a job interview. Attendance is mandatory and those who do not turn up risk losing two weeks of benefits.

The mandatory work activity scheme, is for all ages and is compulsory. Those who do not attend without a good reason can lose benefits for 13 weeks.