HOMELESS people in Winchester have gone back to school to qualify in construction with the help of Eastleigh College.

Residents from Winchester Churches Nightshelter attended a training session in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme to help them expand their skill set.

Five residents in total took part in the three-day course which aims to help in training, qualification and experience for working on a construction site.

Michele Price, Nightshelter manager, said: “The Nightshelter is not just about offering people a roof over their head and a hot meal. Our aim is to help our residents escape homelessness for good by offering them vital support, and equipping them with valuable life skills while they are staying with us.

“This includes helping them find appropriate and sustainable employment and giving residents the chance to obtain qualifications that will assist them in doing so. We're indebted to Eastleigh College for providing this fantastic opportunity and hope that it will improve the employment prospects for the residents who took part.”