A NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation that tackles youth unemployment has joined forces with a technology college.

First Steps to Employment (FTSE), a company in Swanley that employs tradespeople aged 16 to 24, has moved into an office at Swanley Technology College in Saint Mary's Road, Swanley, to mentor students.

Headteacher Julie Bramley said: “To have FTSE offer mentoring to our students as they prepare for the transition into training, further education or the workplace will be very beneficial.”

Founder Neville Gaunt hopes the move will show FTSE’s commitment to developing young people’s skills.

He said: “What better demonstration than to be resident in a technology college that has such a commitment to the vocational careers and courses we are aiming to develop.”