The Brotherhood is based in Melbourne and as well as helping people of all ages it undertakes research to influence policies and programs to help the disadvantaged.

This report on youth unemployment was one of those pieces of research and it focused on those aged 15 to 24 in regional areas.

It found that youth unemployment in Northern Tasmania had increased by 42 per cent to 18.2 per cent in the past two years - a staggering figure.

It prompted The Examiner to consider what we could do to address this chronic issue.

Through a partnership with several education and employment agencies and the Department of Employment the issue was brainstormed for several weeks culminating with the launch of the Youth X-Factor Project yesterday.

The aim of the project is as simple as the problem of youth unemployment is complex.

To help the young people in our community make decisions about their futures they need information and options - their personal X-Factor.

During the next eight weeks The Examiner will publish in excess of 24 stories about what our young people can do and the options available.

We are also going to talk to employers about the type of skills and education they are looking for when they employ someone.

There will also be tips on preparing a job application and attending interviews and we will talk to young people about their experiences.

In addition to publishing these stories in The Examiner there will be a dedicated landing page on The Examiner's website where even more advice will be stored for a longer period.

Additionally, we are seeking comments and advice from the community and a selection of these will be published.

Youth unemployment impacts on our entire community and the Youth X-Factor Project is The Examiner's way of helping out.