A MULTI-million pound scheme to boost youth employment across the North-East is set to answer demand in the region with the launch of a training course.

More than £19 million worth of funding has been granted to the Tees Valley Pathways and Routeways Youth Employment Initiative Programme (YEI), which comprises of 27 partners working to improve opportunities available to 15 to 29-year-olds.

One YEI partner, Citizens Advice Darlington, has announced it will offer an eight-part telephone skills course with a chance to access funds for interview outfits, training course fees and childcare costs.

Neeraj Sharma, chief executive of Citizens Advice Darlington, said: “This course will give young people some live work experience, as well as essential skills. It is an opportunity to kick start a career in a call centre, reception or administration.

“The essential skills that the course will provide will stand young people in good stead for future employment.”

The course will cover telephone techniques and call-handling etiquette to make youngsters employable in customer service roles.

For more information or to enrol on the course, call Rachel Wearmouth on 01325-256999, using extension number 110. Alternatively, email Rachel.wearmouth@darlingtoncab.co.uk