A unique job search system launched just eight months ago has helped 500 Bournemouth and Poole College students find employment.

The innovative e-Labs facility gives students the opportunity to promote themselves to potential employers online and to get careers advice at the same time.

More than 100 employers have registered with the system representing a range of industries including hospitality, engineering, retail and banking.

Around a third have already taken on more than three students.

There are e-Labs at both the North Road, Poole and Lansdowne, Bournemouth, campuses and a total of 42 computer terminals to allow young people to present themselves to targeted and registered businesses.

Professional advisers from the Reed NCFE employment partnership are on hand giving guidance and advice.

College principal Law-rence Vincent said: “We are the first college in the country to be working with Reed on this ground-breaking initiative. “In just eight months the service has proven its worth to our students and local employers.

“We are delivering a motivated pool of qualified and talented students with key workplace skills to businesses.

“They, in turn, are finding they can fill their vacancies with ready-for-work emp-loyees with ambitions to go on to become successful at higher levels in their companies.”

Mr Vincent urged employers to visit the college to see how the system works and to meet students.