A not-for-profit training centre specialising in IT qualification for youngsters aged 16 to 18 has opened in Hitchin.

The Comet: Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami officially opens the Develop Hitchin centre with Develop chief executive Mark Pike and head of centre Johanne Kenlin. Picture: DANNY LOOHitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami officially opens the Develop Hitchin centre with Develop chief executive Mark Pike and head of centre Johanne Kenlin. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Hitchin and Harpenden MP Bim Afolami was there to cut the ribbon at the Develop centre in Wilbury Way, along with career and business advisors and school representatives.

Mark Pike, chief executive of the Develop chain, said: “I am proud to be opening another centre to provide young people with real opportunities to fulfil their potential, and to support them to move into employment.

The Comet: Develop chief executive Mark Pike at the opening of the Develop Hitchin learning centre. Picture: DANNY LOODevelop chief executive Mark Pike at the opening of the Develop Hitchin learning centre. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

“But is it more than a training centre – it is the skills of the staff to engage and inspire our students to believe in themselves and succeed.”

Mr Afolami said: “Develop is a fantastic example of social mobility in action, helping young people in Hitchin to get high-quality training in IT and digital skills. Mark Pike and his team are passionate about improving the life chances of the next generation, and I support them as they try to do so.”

The Comet: Develop chief executive Mark Pike and head of centre Johanne Kenlin at the opening of the Develop Hitchin learning centre. Picture: DANNY LOODevelop chief executive Mark Pike and head of centre Johanne Kenlin at the opening of the Develop Hitchin learning centre. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Develop, whose head office is in Ampthill, also has locations in Bedford, Luton, Dunstable, Milton Keynes and Norwich.

The Comet: Develop chair Barry George at the Develop Hitchin centre opening. Picture: DANNY LOODevelop chair Barry George at the Develop Hitchin centre opening. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)