WORK and education have come together with the opening of an £800,000 school enterprise centre and vocational training complex.

The Towers School in Ashford has unveiled Ashford Enterprise Centre and Carter’s in Kennington, named after Kent County Council leader Paul Carter.

Carter's offers practical learning facilities for young people hoping to become hairdressers, chefs or professional catering staff.

Arcadia, Sir Philip Green’s retail group, and computer giant Microsoft have backed the enterprise centre.

It has been designed not only for the 1,450 students at the specialist business and enterprise school, but also local firms seeking a conference venue and adults wanting to learn new skills. A 60-seat computer suite is part of the project.

Head teacher Malcolm Ramsey said the new facilities would encourage a future Jamie Oliver, Michael Owen or Vidal Sassoon.“You can be anything you want to be in this school,” he said. “It is intended that this is where industry and education meet.”

Kent County Council leader Paul Carter opened both buildings, saying it was a great honour to have one named after him.

“But it’s what goes on in the building that counts,” he said. “We must make sure the business sector in Kent responds to young people’s needs in providing job opportunities.”