The lack of jobs in the current economic climate is top of young people’s concerns.

The Argus visited City College Brighton and Hove in Pelham Street yesterday as part of our It’s Your Voice campaign.

Dozens of students, staff and visitors spoke to reporter Tim Ridgway about their concerns, issues and gripes which are important to them.

Carpentry student Callum Stevens, 18, of Arundel Drive East, Saltdean, said he was worried about his job prospects when his course ended. He said there were just two apprentices taken out of his class of 50.

Jake Fennell, 20, of Percival Terrace, Brighton, sad: “I’m just starting a food preparation course today.

“I’ve applied for loads of jobs but just can’t get anywhere so this is just to keep me busy.”

Another student, a 19-year-old girl who is studying health and social studies, said: “There are no jobs out there. I came here straight from school as it’s the only thing I wanted to do. I want to work in a hospital but there just doesn’t seem to be any opportunities out there.”

Student Rohan Lowe, 20, of Rutland Gardens, Hove, said he was just about to sit on a student forum interviewing for a new principal for the college.

He added: “I’m a little nervous as it’s a big job but I do have a list of questions. Young people do want to get involved in things and they do want to be listened to.

“I’m also a member of the city-wide Youth Council and we’re hoping to get the meetings online so everyone can get involved.”

James Rodgers, a student who lives in Coldean, said he was still concerned about Nellie Herriott, 96, who went missing from her central Brighton home more than three weeks ago.

He said: “I look for her on my way to and from college every day.”

Claire Palmer, a student and mother-of-three who lives in Hanover, said she was unhappy with the amount of dog mess on the city centre’s streets.

She said: “I used to live in Bevendean and there everyone cleaned up after their dog but they just do not do it in town.

“It’s not nice and it’s really unhealthy for the kids.

“I’m also amazed at the lack of recycling that people do. Out of the city everyone has black boxes but no one really bothers in the centre.”