Look into Precision Engineering. My father owns a company in the field and they take on at least one a year. It's an industry that's always calling out for new blood. It's generally well paid once fully trained and the technical skills learned are brilliant.
Try contacting Greater Brighton Construction Training (GBCT). I believe they help young people get on courses with the local colleges and possibly help find job placements. Have a look at the list of trades they cover.
That's who I was with many years ago when I did my Carpentry Course.
Did PM Mr Spunkmonkey and got no response so if you could contact me it would be useful.
And an update, he is going to complete his college course by distant learning and also he has got past the telephone interview for British Gas so things looking a bit better.