A NEW Fresh Start course is open at Weymouth College for adults who want to improve their job prospects, retrain or move into higher education.

The course has been established for more than six years. Former students include university graduates, teachers, electricians, carpenters and professionals.

Alan French, 19, says he dropped out of school at 13 and spent the next few years without any hope of getting qualifications and a decent job. He decided to enrol on the Fresh Start course at Weymouth College and hopes to start the plumbing course at the college in September.

Alan said that he would recommend the Fresh Start course to anyone who wants to improve their prospects.

"I now have a bright future, something which seemed impossible last year."

The course is free, and offers adults the chance to recover their confidence and self-esteem in a supportive and friendly environment.

Fresh Start students also achieve qualifications required by employers and to progress on to vocational training.

The Fresh Start course lasts six weeks, and is suitable for parents because it fits inside school hours.

One-to-one support is provided. There are intakes throughout the year.

For more information about the course, call Weymouth College on 01305 208818.