Member Article

Forging a pathway into work

YOUNG people in East Durham are being given the tools to steer them on the right path into the world of work.

16 to 24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training are being given the chance to gain valuable job skills with the help of East Durham Business Service (EDBS).

The EDBS team are delivering the six-week DurhamWorks programme, funded by Durham County Council, at Ridgemount House, in Peterlee Town Centre.

Participants are given access to a range of useful resources, including:

Food hygiene, construction, and administration skills courses, Personal development, Advice and guidance, Employability and one-to-one information.

And on top of this, the young people will be kept motivated with indoor and outdoor sports and recreational activities, such as table tennis, pool, football, indoor bowls, and gym and boxing equipment.

Then at the end of the programme, business advice, and apprenticeship and employment consultant support is offered.

Simon Naisbett, Guidance Manager from EDBS, which is based in Novus Business Centre, Judson Road, Peterlee, said: “Whether you’ve got three A levels or no qualifications at all, the Durham Works course is for young people who aren’t in education, employment or training.

“Those who feel like they can’t get to where they want to be, then they should come along and we will do our best to get them on the right path.

“They will leave the course with interview preparation and CV creation skills, and the skills and knowledge required to gain sustainable employment.

“We also have very strong links with numerous local employers to help participants to progress into either employment, an apprenticeship, self-employment, or volunteering.”

He added: “It’s very rewarding to see someone who walks in here with very little confidence and knowledge about the world of work, walk out armed with all the tools they need.”

For more information about the DurhamWorks programme, and the support and facilities available through EDBS, visit www.edbs.co.uk or call (0191) 5863366.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Felicity Collinson .