An agency that gives hope to disadvantaged teenagers by training them in building skills is close to collapse without a last-minute cash injection.

Chatham-based Skillsgateway has taken hundreds of young people off the streets and kept many out of jail.

But now the organisation that is proud of its slogan “Building skills for life” could be just days away from going out of business.

The agency has had to lay off four staff and is under increasing pressure from its bank, although officials stress it has been highly supportive during a difficult time.

The financial crisis is blamed on a dispute with North West Kent College and the Learning and Skills Council, but neither organisation wished to elaborate.

Skillsgateway aims to transform the lives of youngsters who have not done well at school.

Tony Foster, curriculum manager, said: “We take kids off the street. We’re desperately searching for funding because we’ve got hundreds of names, kids from deprived areas, kids who didn’t do well at GCSE.”

Pointing out some of his young trainees at the recent Construction Expo in Chatham Historic Dockyard, Mr Foster said: “A few weeks ago, some of these guys were on the streets fighting.

“Now, if you look at their London Underground project, they’ve been involved in maths, English, geography, history, working with others, problem solving. For the first time in their lives, they can be a success.”

He added: “We’re doing the best we can but we need an injection. We need someone to have some faith in us. We’ve got 40-50 names of other kids in this area that we could do some good for. Meanwhile, our overdraft gets bigger.”

In a statement, North West Kent College said it had worked closely with Skillsgateway since 2006 and remained supportive of its work.

“The nature of that relationship is reviewed annually and the college is still discussing the future of it with Skillsgateway. Until those discussions are complete and the position clarified, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Sean Carwardine, 17, from Twydall, has learned bricklaying and carpentry with Skillsgateway.

One of the highlights of his time with the agency was a remarkable project to create a London Underground map using his new-found skills.

The map uses copper pipe, car paint and soldering to create a remarkable likeness. It not only teaches trade skills but also geography.

“It opened my eyes to the opportunities,” said Sean. “It really has been a gateway for me.”