RUSH hour traffic in Durban almost came to a standstill yesterday morning when 6000 unemployed people in their 20s queued for 300 learnership posts offered by the Metro police.

RUSH hour traffic in Durban almost came to a standstill yesterday morning when 6000 unemployed people in their 20s queued for 300 learnership posts offered by the Metro police.

The hopeful job-seekers started queuing from midnight.

"I have a tertiary qualification, said Nonhlanhla Mkhize, 23, from Pinetown. "I am fit and I don't do crime so I should not have a problem."

Others sounded equally hopeful but hope turned to despair when they saw the long queue.

"I got here at 4.30am but I was right at the back of the queue," said Buko Mkhize, 25. "I have a diploma in office management and technology but I have been unemployed since 2007."

Metro police had to step in to prevent a fight when someone tried to jump the queue.

"We were shocked by the large numbers," said spokesperson Joyce Khuzwayo. "This is not a full-time job and not all will get permanent jobs after training."

The internships provide practical training and a transport and subsistence allowance. Minimum requirements were to pass a fitness test, have a driving licence and matric .

Durban Chamber of Commerce chief executive Gugu Mazibuko said the turnout shows the high levels of unemployment among young people .

"This is a concern for the future of our economy."