YOUNGSTERS who have dropped out of school or are out of work are being offered a chance to improve their New Year prospects.

Mid-Kent College is launching its January Starts scheme, a new programme of courses aimed at giving hope to students looking for ways to get on in 2008.

The aim of the initiative is to help young people currently not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

In line with the Government’s objective of targeting NEETs, the college is now providing January Starts on a number of courses.

Potential students have already been attending enrolment sessions at the campuses in Chatham, Rochester and Maidstone.

Principal, Stephen Grix, said:“The idea of the January Starts is to give those who may have missed the September enrolment another opportunity to join study or training programmes.

“There are many reasons people may have decided not to sign up to courses last September. “I’ve spoken to young people who were working but whose contracts have come to an end, and others who made alternative employment or study choices which perhaps haven’t worked out as they had hoped.”

He added: “Waiting until the following September to join up can create difficulties with many young people finding themselves with nothing to do in the meantime. For some, during this period it’s easy to lose their focus and motivation.”

Mid-Kent College has produced a mini guide, specifically providing information on courses with January and February 2008 start dates.

Principal Stephen Grix visited the Connexions office in Chatham to launch the new guide and meet with potential students it will benefit.

He added: “The Government is urging colleges to provide greater flexibility for potential students, which is why we are introducing these new start dates for a number of our courses.

“We are aiming to provide the opportunity to return to education for young people who may have been undecided last September, and we look forward to welcoming the new students to Mid-Kent College.”

n Enrolment sessions:

n Tuesday, January 8

City Way campus, City Way, Rochester

10am – 12pm

n Wednesday, January 9

Oakwood Park campus, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone

10am – 12pm

n Thursday, January 10

Horsted campus, Maidstone Road, Chatham

10am – 12pm

For more information on courses visit the Mid Kent College website - www.midkent.ac.uk or call the course information line on 01634 402020.