A NEW skills centre offering young people the chance to learn vocational skills has been opened by Southampton City College.

The new centre, located in the grounds of Bitterne Park School, aims to help youngsters aged 14 to 19 years old develop skills in painting, decorating, joinery and carpentry.

The building features a practical skills area and learning centre complete with IT and Internet access.

Young people from schools across the city can now use the centre from the age of 14. In addition teenagers aged 16 to 19 can use the venue on other days.

Southampton City College principal and chief executive Lindsey Noble said: “The design of the centre is crucial in maintaining the motivation and enthusiasm of young people who do not want to sit behind a desk all day when they go to work.”

City college director Helen Mason said: “In these difficult economic times, it is good for Southampton to know that it has an educational establishment which is turning out a workforce armed with useful and practical skills.

“These young people will be immediately ready to contribute positively to the local economy.”

The new vocational skills centre has been funded jointly by the South East Economic Development Agency, the Learning and Skills Council and the college.