But those in the know see a bright new future with a world of possibilities for people like William Gridrod.

The 19-year-old school leaver wants a career in game development, IT or retail and is prepared to work hard to make it happen.

But unlike other school leavers, William, who has a learning disability, is going to need a lot more support to make his dreams come true.

That support will be forthcoming at the empty warehouse which will soon be turned into a state-of-the art vocational training centre.

The modern centre will be the new hub for Joblink, a transition to work program run by the not-for-profit, Greenacres Disability Services.

“I think it (centre) will help me get more experience,’’ William said.

Joblink manager Arjah McGrath said the new centre will give young people with a disability tailored life and work skills and will ultimately mean less people at risk of being caught in the welfare dependency trap.

“We already offer this fantastic program but we really need more innovative supports so people like William can achieve their career goals,’’ Mrs McGrath said.

“At the moment the building is an empty shell but we dream of spaces like a semi-commercial kitchen, an IT hub with assisted technology and a mock shop with Point of Sale devices so they can practice their retail skills.’’

With the design and approvals in place, Greenacres is banking on over 1000 participants to take on its Mountain to Mountain Challenge on July 31, and help raise money for the vocational centre in the process.

“Everyone involved in the Joblink program is hoping that the Wollongong community gets behind the M2M Challenge because a well-equipped and modern training centre is going to make a huge difference in so many lives,’’ Mrs McGrath said.

M2M is a 13.6 kilometre run or walk up steep ascents, down deep dips and past some of our region’s most stunning scenery. To register visit www.m2mchallenge.com.au before July 22.