PRIME Minister Gordon Brown today met Hampshire apprentices as he launched an initiative to see thousands more youngsters given similar opportunities.

On a visit to Southampton City College, Mr Brown spoke to youngsters as he toured the campus, which is currently undergoing a £40m refurbishment.

And despite job losses in finance sectors, retail, at the docks and Ford's Swaythling plant, he told the Daily Echo he believes Hampshire is well placed to ride out the economic downturn.

Ahead of today's cabinet meeting, Mr Brown attended the college with Children's Secretary Ed Balls and Skills Secretary, Southampton Itchen MP John Denham.

The Prime Minister spent time inspecting the college's mechanics' workshop and bricklaying studio, chatting to youngsters about their courses and the skills and prospects they give them.

He saw projects students are working on as part of their training, ranging from restoring an old bus to building walls.

Mr Brown said he has come to Southampton to hear opinions of how people are coping with the recession.

"We want to listen to what people are saying, act on the advice that they give us, and show that there's real help for the people now," he said.

"This is the most difficult time in the world economy, and there has been a global banking crisis.

"But I know that the creative skills in Southampton and in this region, and the industries that are powerful in this region can succeed in the future and we are determined to do what we can to help them."