Kingston University is to offer graduates and professionals careers advice at a new ??1 million training and skills centre.
The centre, which opens next month at the Penrhyn Road campus, aims to help more than 3,000 people over the next 18 months by offering anyone hit by the recession one-to-one advice on getting back into work.
Kingston graduates will be given 'skills vouchers' to help pay for short courses and training, and professionals will be given help in finding work connected to their original degree subject.
Deborah Lock, the university's executive director of enterprise, said: "We're looking to the future by giving students and graduates in Kingston the biggest advantage they could have in terms of training and skills."
She added that by helping Kingston graduates the scheme will create a thriving business area for the future.
The Government has given ??430,000 towards the project, while Kingston Council has also put forward ??95,000.
David Lammy, minister of state for higher education, said: "Universities are clearly showing that they can provide a lifeline in these challenging times by offering targeted short courses to adults who have lost their jobs."
