Garry Phillips is the new principal of New College in Wellington, Telford

The new principal at a college in Wellington has his sights firmly set on preparing students for the world of work – saying that despite high youth unemployment the time is right for entrepreneurs.

Garry Phillips, principal at New College, said the college was in talks to create links with Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Telford & Wrekin Chamber of Commerce.

He said it was also in talks with the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust for students to go there as volunteers.

Plans are also in the pipeline for students to set up their own stall at Wellington Market to sell their work, including paintings.

Mr Phillips, who took up the post five weeks ago, said he believed there was great potential for people to become entrepreneurs at the moment.

“We will see more entrepreneurs because the environment at the moment will make people think and behave differently,” he added. “We will encourage our students to look for these opportunities.”

At 40, Mr Phillips, from Marchington, near Stafford, says he is one of the youngest principals in the sector, having left Burton and South Derbyshire College, where he was vice-principal.

During his working life he has also served in the Army and worked as a painter and decorator. “This is why I am quite passionate that young people can achieve what they want to achieve both academically and in business and commerce,” he added.

“We have 70 A-level awards and courses and we are the college of choice if someone wants to mix and match what they need for future employment.”