UNEMPLOYED engineers in South Durham are being thrown a lifeline by a software company.

Cadconnect, in Newton Aycliffe, which sells computer programmes to design engineers, is offering to train redundant engineers - such as workers from the former Black and Decker factory - to help get them back into work,

The company runs training courses for companies wanting to teach their skilled engineers to use the software.

Cadconnect, set up and run by Iranian Fash Daryaie, has places for skilled engineers who would benefit from training in three-dimensional computer software, which enables them to put together designs on their PC for extra speed and efficiency.

Cadconnect's marketing manager, Carolyn Olders, said spaces left on the two-day courses were being offered to out-of-work engineers who already had some knowledge of two-dimensional software, which they could build on to improve their jobs prospects.

She said: "We are trying to let people know that we are offering this. It really needs to be people who have some knowledge of the two-dimensional software, otherwise the courses will not benefit them."

Many large national companies already use the software and have trained their staff to use it. Smaller companies are now beginning to use it extensively.

Miss Olders said computer-aided design was becoming more and more popular, meaning that business was booming.

Cadconnect and its sister company, Cadserve, also in Newton Aycliffe, are planning to expand and take on more staff in the new year.

Between them, the companies employ 16 people, mostly with a manufacturing background.

Mr Daryaie is hoping to find new offices to aid the companies' expansion.

He is looking to buy premises in Shildon.

Miss Olders said: "The premises will be bigger so it would involve substantial growth in the business."

Cadserve and Cadconnect have now invested in three more offices nationwide, with sales staff based at each office.

The companies not only offer software and training, but hardware, technical support and consultancy.

International expansion is also being planned, with Mr Daryaie looking to sell the products in his native Iran.

Mr Daryaie said: "Cadserve's success is built upon the experience of its staff, who are all specialists in their own field from the CAD, manufacturing and process industries. Clients include some of the most well-known and respected national and international companies."