Show 'Reference Number' during the creation of a new project

When creating a new project the 'reference number' does not appear until the project has been created. We like to use the reference number as part of our 'job name' as it helps to ensure that every job name is unique. Could the system be changed so that it immediately shows the reference number once you have chosen to create a new project (so that you don't have to come out of the project and then go back in to add the reference number)?