THEY have spent more than 970 hours helping youngsters gain skills for work.

Now 80 Southampton-based Capita employees have been recognised with a Big Society Award from David Cameron for their hard work.

The awards were set up by the Prime Minister in 2010 to acknowledge individuals, projects and organisations that contribute to, or take action in, the community.

The business process management and support firm’s Southampton branch has run mentoring schemes and workshops on teamwork, communication and presentation skills to promote careers in engineering, finance, customer service, management and HR.