HELPING people retrain and get back into work is the aim of the new principal of Southend Adult Community College.

Stephen Lay is the new man at the helm of the college and wants to get more people on to apprenticeships in Southend.

Mr Lay, 56, said: “The Government is suggesting more people will have to retrain and possibly find a new career if they are made redundant or are struggling to find work.

“We want more people to turn to us and change their career through an apprenticeship.”

Mr Lay also wants to encourage more people to take up courses as a hobby, such as photography.

He said education can play a big part in keeping the minds and social lives of older residents active.

Mr Lay is the former head of community education for Somerset County Council and he started his new role on May 3.

He said: “Somerset, like Essex, is a massive county and there are lots of towns with maybe a population of 10,000 people.

“I was responsible for 18 small adult learning and training centres in each market town.

“The attraction of coming to Southend was the facilities are excellent and I will be able to get to know all the staff and learners more closely, which is great as I enjoy being hands-on.”

Mr Lay, a father-of-four, grew up in Luton and graduated from Lancaster University with a degree in education.

Before moving to Somerset, Mr Lay worked as a youth worker, secondary school teacher and adult education organiser.

He replaces interim principal Jim Addison.