A new training centre designed to give young jobless people a chance of running a real business has opened in Witney.

The Synolos Centre in Corn Street is already working with ten 16-18-year-olds who have left school and failed to find a job.

Director Barry Ingleton set up the centre after recognising the growing problem of youth unemployment, particularly among school leavers not in employment, education or training (NEETS).

Mr Ingleton said: “I believe enterprise is a confidence builder for young people. It is all about engaging them and also giving them qualifications.”

A successful pilot project in the summer laid the foundations for the centre and, backed by funding from Oxfordshire County Council, the youngsters are starting to make garden furniture, run a photography studio and operate a door to door catalogue and online retail business selling gifts and crafts.

The centre has also been working with businesses such as Witney-based lemonade manufacturer Samuelsons.

Students also learn as they operate the businesses and gain BTEC qualifications which can be put on their CVs.

Nathan I’Anson, 17, left Bartholomew School in Eynsham with six GCSEs and went to Abingdon and Witney College but left after developing problems with drugs and alcohol.

He signed up for the pilot project with Mr Ingleton in the summer and has kicked his habits and now is looking to start his own garden furniture business with Mr Ingleton’s help.

Nathan, who lives in Witney, said: “I studied gardening and horticulture at ciollege and decided to learn carpentry with Barry and now I am selling planters to customers.

“It has helped me overcome my problems and everything is falling into place.”

Synolos is set up as a community interest company and all profits from the business are re-distributed to local charities.

Mr Ingleton, who previously taught at Abingdon and Witney College and Meadowbrook College in Marston, added: “I am trying to create something self-sustaining and hope people will buy into its success.

“So often young people have bad experiences and are written off. I am trying to bridge the gap between school, nothing and employment.

“If employers can see them working and ask for particular skills to be taught, then we can help them.”

• The Synolos Centre will be officially opened by Oxford United footballer Adam Chapman on December 9.