The Prime Minister began his recruitment drive for the National Citizen Service yesterday by launching a Facebook page to encourage 16-year-olds to register for 12 volunteer schemes this summer.

Organisations taking part in the pilot programme include Catch 22, the Football League (Community) Ltd and the Prince’s Trust.

On the Facebook page, David Cameron said:  “I want National Citizen Service to inspire you to realise what you can achieve.  This summer you will be able to spend two months mixing with other young people, learning new skills and putting something back into your community.”

With 11,000 places throughout the country the two-month programme includes a two-week stay away from home to teach the recruits teamwork and build confidence and leadership skills through tough physical activities.

The volunteers will then put what they have learned into practice by developing projects in their local community to change something they don’t like. 

Some 1,000 people have already signed up and 8,000 have expressed interest in projects, some of which have already accepted registrations.

The Cabinet Office eventually aims for every 16-year-old to take part in National Citizen Service and plans to make 30,000 places available in 2012.

Alumni from the domestic programme will also be eligible to volunteer in developing countries through the International Citizen’s Service scheme for 18 to 22-year-olds from 2013.