IT will help the long-term unemployed and people with disabilities find work.

Shaw Trust CDG opened its new centre in Charlotte Place, Southampton, with a launch event and apprenticeship day.

Southampton City Sheriff Sue Blatchford officially opened the centre at the event which saw jobseekers, colleges and business come together to promote apprenticeships in and around the city.

Lisa Goncalves, the charity’s employer relationship manager, said: “Apprenticeships help people to get into work, sharpen their skills and shape their futures. The apprenticeship day provided the perfect stage to spotlight the opportunities available to people from Southampton. “The Apprenticeship Day and centre launch event marked 50 years of Southampton’s city status by bringing the city’s employers and providers together to help local people find work and turn their dreams into realities.” Shaw Trust CDG is dedicated to supporting vulnerable and unemployed people find work and delivers the Government’s Work Choice and Work Programme contracts and helps match jobseekers with employers.

For more information visit shaw-trust.org.uk.