More young people are being given the opportunity to boost their employment chances with the launch of a new Prince’s Trust course in Middlesbrough.

Stockton Riverside College is bringing the national youth charity’s Team programme to the Langridge Initiative Centre in Berwick Hills.

The introduction of the scheme forms part of a centre revamp, which has seen the community facility on Langridge Crescent go from a 10% capacity to 92% – offering a wide range of services and activities.

New centre manager and community engagement officer, Amanda Buck, said: “Our aim is to get a wide range of organisations using the centre so that we can work with the whole community.”

The Prince’s Trust Team programme, delivered by Stockton Riverside College, will offer the surrounding area’s young unemployed the chance to develop their confidence and skills through a variety of community tasks and challenges.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to develop new skills, get a taster of employment and ideally find out what they want to do in life,” said Team leader Craig Murphy.

Stockton Riverside College currently helps dozens of youngsters each year, aged 16 to 25, gain the skills and confidence to find work or return to education through the free 12-week Prince’s Trust course delivered at venues across Teesside.

The pilot programme in Berwick Hills will be the second Team to run in Middlesbrough following the success of the college’s long-running scheme at Breckon Hill Community Centre in the town.

In fact, young people from the existing Middlesbrough group helped redecorate the facilities that will now be used by their new counterparts, as part of their own community project.

Centre manager Amanda, who also manages the Breckon Hill Community Centre, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the young people to the centre.

“The Prince’s Trust course will form part of a programme of activities that offers the community education, recreational and social opportunities.”

The new Middlesbrough Prince’s Trust course starts at the Langridge Initiative Centre on Monday September 28. For details call Craig on 07875 381711 or visit www.stockton.ac.uk/princes-trust/