THE young unemployed in Redcar are being given a helping hand by a new course to boost their chances of finding work.

Stockton Riverside College is bringing its Prince’s Trust Team programme to the redundancy-hit town in a bid to help youngsters aged 16 to 25 build the skills to get back into training or employment.

Team Leader Craig Murphy said: “The aim of the course is to help motivate and inspire these young people, to show them that there are opportunities out there and help give them the skills they need to achieve.”

The "personal development programme" is free and takes place over 12 weeks, during which the young people take part in activities and tasks to help develop essential skills such as teamwork, time management, leadership and communication.

A pilot programme launched in Redcar in January this year saw 13 young people complete the course, all progressing on to positive destinations including work, volunteering or training.

Mr Murphy said: “Something as simple as helping people to get back into a regular routine can make all the difference.

“By building their confidence and self-esteem we are able to help these young people work out what it is that they want to do.”

The Prince's Trust Redcar team building programme starts on Monday, May 9 at the Tuned In building on Majuba Road. For details call Craig on 07875 381711.

Stockton Riverside College also offers Prince’s Trust Team programmes in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Billingham, Darlington and Bishop Auckland. For full details visit www.stockton.ac.uk/princes-trust/