A HAMPSHIRE college has been working with unemployed young people to help them get into work.

Eastleigh College’s automotive department teamed up with The Prince’s Trust to host a week-long programme to give young people the skills and confidence to secure a job or get back into education or training.

Ten 16-19-year-olds spent the week learning about health and safety and how to use technical equipment before progressing onto removing and replacing an engine and components in a car.

Malcolm Wing, Eastleigh College automotive lecturer, said: “We were delighted to welcome this group into the college to give them experience of what it could be like working on a more vocational skills programme here, and the type of employment opportunities available in the automotive industry.”

The ‘Get Started with Motor Vehicles’ scheme proved a success, with six young people deciding to return to the college to study.

Programme executive at The Prince’s Trust, Ryan Hayter, said: “This training provided the opportunity for these young people to develop key skills and build on their confidence. I know they really enjoyed the week and benefitted greatly from the expertise of the lecturers at the college.”

The trust works with young people facing unemployment, school problems, youth offending or mental health issues.