YOUNG people who missed out on going to college in September are being given a second chance to gain a qualification this year.

Swindon College has created a free course aimed at 16- to 19 -year-olds, which will start next month and run full-time for 17 weeks until July.

Students can study subjects including construction, retail skills or catering and hospitality. The course will also include a residential week at an outdoor activity centre as well as support in key and basic skills.

John Savage, course co-ordinator, said: "We know there are lots of young people out there who would like a second chance to come to college and we want them to come and talk to us.

"This is a really exciting opportunity for people who perhaps left it too late to enrol in college in September, maybe started a job or course which hasn't worked out, or those who have realised they need skills and qualifications to improve their job prospects."

Call John Savage or John Michaux on 0800 731 2250, or e-mail admissions@swindon-college.ac.uk