A new careers hub has been launched to try and improve career opportunities for young people.

Managed by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the hub will initially work with 25 schools and colleges from across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

WECA secured £220,000 from The Careers & Enterprise Company to establish the new careers hub, which will be launched on Thursday, September 20.

Tim Bowles, West of England Mayor, said: “We need the right skills for businesses now and into the future and we must encourage young people to realise their potential.

"The new careers hub will ensure young people have more opportunities to connect with the world of work and potential future employers.

Claudia Harris, chief executive of the Careers & Enterprise Company, said: "If employers, schools and colleges can better prepare young people for the world of work, we're not just benefitting the future economy, but improving prospects for thousands of young people.”

Chairman of the West of England LEP, Professor Steve West, said: “The new careers hub will play a key role in the long-term success of our region’s economy.

"This will help lead to improved employment opportunities for our region’s businesses in the future.”