TEENAGERS in Southampton interested in boosting their job prospects can get vital industry skills from a Hampshire house builder’s pilot work experience hub.

Crest Nicholson has unveiled its first ever work experience hub for 14-19 year olds at its waterfront development Centenary Quay in Woolston offering students an insight into the construction and housing industry.

Youngsters will have opportunities to learn practical skills such as basic plumbing, electrics and carpentry at the new centre with careers advice also available.

This It is a launch-pad for a the overalllarger initiative, which will be rolled out nationally later in the year.

The opening of the unit at Centenary Quay was marked by an official ribbon cut opening ceremony with the Leader of Southampton City Council, Simon Letts, cutting the ribbon to open the new centre.

Susan Young, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson, said: “We are hugely excited to announce the opening of the work experience unit at Centenary Quay, as well as our drive to roll this project out across our developments.

“It is well known that there is a skills shortage within the construction industry, which we wanted to tackle head on as well as help attract young people into the industry.

“Our work experience project is designed to offer a taster of a career in construction and an opportunity learn basic skills, which we hope will provide students with a strong grounding for their future career, as well as an excellent chance to build up their CV.”

Leader of the Council, Cllr Simon Letts, said: “The council is working hard to encourage people in their last few years at school to consider construction, as it’s an area where there are real skill shortages in the city. This hub will play a central role in making this happen.”