TWO Hampshire colleges are set to merge in a move that will affect 28,000 students.

Leaders at City and Eastleigh Colleges say they will create an "education powerhouse" when they join forces from March next year.

But the merger could mean job losses in senior management, finance, marketing and HR.

Now college leaders have said it will mean students have more chances to get into "high quality" apprenticeships and further education.

It comes after a government report of Solent colleges showed that City College needed to join forces with another in order to improve.

The Solent Area Review showed a "skill shortage" in engineering, manufacturing, specialist IT, construction, finance, legal and accountancy, management, health care, transport and logistics, and hospitality and customer services - but an "over-supply of provision" in arts, media and publishing.

Now college bosses have said the merger will mean they can bid for more cash.

City and Eastleigh College bosses Sarah Stannard and Jan Edrich refused to speak to the Echo directly and instructed a PR firm to comment on their behalf,

They said: "The merger will not result in additional funding from the government for further education but it will place the merged colleges in a stronger position to bid for future funds from organisations such as LEPs.

Daily Echo:

"Senior management and support areas such as finance, marketing and HR will be combined and the total number of employees in these areas may be reduced. The decisions about when to reduce or change staffing will be dependent on the needs of the new college and this will inform when any changes happen. Anyone affected will be properly consulted.

"There will be no impact on students currently studying at either college. Our priority throughout this period, is to ensure that all our students continue to have the high quality education and training experience they expect from us.

"There will be wider opportunities to progress into high quality apprenticeships and higher education.

"The merger of the two colleges will not make any change to the courses being taught this year and will not make any change to those on offer for September 2019. We will update both college websites to help ensure everyone has the information they need."

Southampton education boss Councillor Darren Paffey said: "I’m delighted that this merger means students across south Hampshire will benefit from even more opportunities to access the combined strengths, expertise and resources of City College and Eastleigh College.

"This will boost the educational offer in and around the Southampton area, and help many more people gain skills and qualifications that will open doors for them in life.

"Collaborative working is crucial across levels of education and training, and I wish them every success in this exciting new partnership.”

Hampshire education boss Cllr Stephen Reid added: “We fully understand the rationale behind the merger of these two colleges and I can confirm that our views were sought when the two colleges were considering the option of operating as one.

"Our prime concern is for the students. We would want to see that the college continues to provide a very high standard of education and skills training through a broad curriculum that meets the needs of the whole community; and encourages economic prosperity and a bright future for the students once they have completed their courses.”

University and College Union regional official Moray McAulay said: 'The merger needs to be a success to ensure people in Southampton and Eastleigh continue to have access to a broad range of educational opportunities. The timeline for merger is tight and we want to work with the colleges to ensure that disruption for staff and students is kept to a minimum. If we are to continue to offer a broad range of courses then the colleges need to protect the jobs of the people delivering them.'

A consultation period into the merger will begin today (November 1).