Harrow College's new Enterprise Centre was officially opened by a former education secretary.

A group of employers joined Lord Baker to launch the two pioneering Career Colleges for professional and business services, which are based at the new centre.

Guests received tours of the building as well as hearing from the college's students about their experience so far.

Lord Baker, founder and trustee of the Career Colleges Trust, said: “I am delighted to see the official launch of Harrow’s two pioneering Career Colleges – which will offer many opportunities to both young people and to businesses in the area.

“I launched Career Colleges to ensure young people have good quality vocational options, which will lead to successful and fulfilling careers.

"Harrow College has identified two growing industries, professional and business services as well as digital and creative, which have many exciting job opportunities opening up now and over the next decade.

“With many supportive employers helping to design and deliver a relevant and inspiring curriculum, students here can benefit from the expertise of industry alongside first class facilities in the new £6.5m Enterprise Centre. This is great news for both young people in the area and businesses.”

Both Career Colleges had their first intake of students in September, having been granted approval to open by the Career Colleges Trust earlier in 2015.

The colleges aim to provide 14 to19 year olds with the skills needed to progress into work and/or further/higher education.

They aim to give young people a ‘clear line of sight’ to careers, not just first jobs.

Employers sit on an advisory board, helping to shape the curriculum as well as offering masterclasses, work experience and expert teaching for students.

Michelle Perkins, director schools outreach & The Prince's Trust digital transformation programmes at Capgemini UK, said: “Having worked with Harrow College for a couple of years, I’m really excited about their new digital and creative Career College.

"Clearly digital skills are the absolute key for young people creating their own careers. Without great digital skills young people will be denied access to careers in just about every industry in the UK."

The Enterprise Centre's apprenticeship service will also provide a one stop shop for recruitment and work placements.

Harrow College principal and chief executive, Pat Carvalho, said: “I am delighted that Harrow College has two Career Colleges in partnership with the Career Colleges Trust.

"This partnership with the trust and employers will develop young people so that they are able to progress and gain employment in their chosen sector.

"Hand in hand with the formal launch of our two Career Colleges is the launch of the college’s Enterprise Centre which enables both employers and young people to engage and flourish in a business-focused environment.

"This supports the College’s strategic priority to nurture talent and develop the high level skills of young people and adults.”

The Enterprise Centre was designed by architects IBI Group, constructed by Morgan Sindall and project managed by AA Projects.