GOING back to school has opened up a whole new career for Teesside man Ralph Bainbridge.

The 53-year-old former process operator had struggled to find a new career after being made redundant in 1989, but all that changed when he signed up to Hartlepool's Intermediate Labour Market Programme (ILM).

The scheme, run by Hartlepool Borough Council's working solutions team, offers a foothold on the jobs ladder fo people by offering training and employment of up to a year with the council.

Mr Bainbridge, who lives on Hartlepool's Headland, was given a placement last a year as a teaching assistant at Clavering Primary School.

He was such a success, the school kept him on after the end of his placement.

As Mr Bainbridge is a Headland resident, his time with ILM was funded by the North Hartlepool Partnership, which is using money from regional development agency One NorthEast to revitalise the area.

His work at the school, which started off with basic administrative tasks, now includes preparing classrooms for lessons, helping pupils with reading sessions and giving them extra support with maths. He is also involved in displays, school plays and sports events.

He said: "The ILM programme has changed my life around. People tell you that once you get to 50 that's it in terms of trying to begin a new career, but it's not true if you're prepared to put yourself out a bit."

For details of ILM call Sue Williams on (01429) 284583.