Ashley Collins had a narrow escape after a case of mistaken identity earlier this year caused him to be repeatedly shot in the face with an airgun.

The 18-year-old, from the tough Norris Green estate in the city, sustained injuries to his nose and cheek in the gangland attack, which left him shocked and in fear for his life.

Although never being directly involved in gangs himself, the serious assault did focus Ashley's mind on his future.

Suffering from dyslexia and having left school with no qualifications, he realised he was dangerously close to slipping into a life of unemployment and crime.

However, with help from Connexions and The Intraining Group, he completed a 12-week Entry 2 Employment (e2e) course, before enrolling at the Greater Merseyside National Construction Academy (NCA), where his life has been turned around.

After being introduced to Intraining, a national training provider, he went from feeling hopeless, with little to get out of bed for, to qualifications and a bright future.

He is now studying on an NVQ level two bricklaying course at Intraining's construction academy, which is part of the Newcastle College Group.

Ashley said: "When I left school, I didn't have a clue what I was going to do.

"I didn't have any plans for the future, but now I'm looking forward to becoming a qualified bricklayer and getting a job, so I can have a good life. The academy is great and I'm glad that I went on the e2e programme, otherwise I'd probably still be stuck in a rut."

Already, the community is reaping the rewards from Ashley's change of direction.

Unable to get work experience due to the economic climate, which would help him and fellow students complete their construction courses, a group of 20 young people from the NCA have been carrying out supervised work on a charity project.

A conversation between student Charlie Ennis, 20, who is studying NVQ level two in joinery and carpentry, and his mother Maxine led to a mutually beneficial relationship between the academy and Rotunda College, where she worked.

She realised that Rotunda College, which is a charity that helps adults with no academic qualifications, was in desperate need of a revamp, so the construction students have given their services for free, in return for some vital work experience.

And now the work is complete, the students and Rotunda College staff are delighted with the results.

Maxine said: "Charlie and the lads have done an excellent job, and we're looking forward to them coming back to do some more.

"Their dedication is admirable. All of the lads have been great to have around - really polite and very hard working.

"I'm really glad me and Charlie had that chat over tea or this might never have happened. The National Construction Academy has been great, too. They were really supportive and we're very grateful."

Charlie said: "I'm really pleased with the scheme. It's given me lots of opportunities and the chance to get the qualifications that will help open the doors to employers.

"There are lots of opportunities out there, but you have to get out there and do something about it."

Jack McDougal, responsiveness co-ordinator for the academy, said the partnership had been such a success, they were now planning an even bigger project at Rotunda College's neighbouring facility.

"Both Ashley and Charlie have done extremely well," he said.

"They have made a lot of progress and have put in a lot of work and effort. The relationship that we now have with Rotunda offers great opportunities for everyone training at the NCA, which is fantastic and just what we need."