SOUTHAMPTON Solent University’s careers coach, which helps young people in Hampshire plan for their future, has been praised.

Professor Les Ebdon, director of the Office for Fair Access to higher education (OFFA), was given a tour of the state-of-the-art vehicle during a visit to the university.

The coach, which has travelled more than 2,000 miles and given advice to around 2,200 people since its launch in 2012, is fitted out as a mobile information technology suite.

The suite boasts software that maps careers and course details, based on forecast local labour market information.

Students were given the chance to talk to Professor Ebdon about the university’s outreach activities, including sports coaching provision for schools and colleges, during his visit.

Professor Ebdon said: “I was particularly impressed by the way it was being used to reach out to schools and colleges, including primary schools, across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”