DISABLED teenagers on Teesside are to be offered the chance of job training.

The Shaw Trust has launched a groundbreaking project offering employment opportunities to teenagers with disabilities from Middlesbrough, Stockton, east Cleveland and Stockton.

The Back On Track initiative, funded by the European Social Fund and the Learning Skills Council Tees Valley, will support at least 75 young people in a series of 13 free 18-week programmes, for the next two years.

Shaw Trust Teesside area manager Karen Stubbings said: "Back On Track will plug a big gap in the system for 16 to 18-year-olds who currently have the choice of staying on at school or going straight into day care.

"We're offering the alternative of learning new skills and trying the world of work, with the aim, hopefully, of progressing into open employment."

Back On Track training and placement officer Craig Dring said: "We are providing a stepping stone to employment or further training that just wasn't there before."

The scheme, which is based at the trust's flagship Employment Action Centre in Middlesbrough, provides intensive training and support through two core programmes, Learn to Earn and Total Skills.

In addition to training towards accredited qualifications, and honing CV and interview skills, the team will also focus on building up self-confidence and self-esteem.

Mr Dring said: "We are working closely with employers of all sizes and in all industry sectors."

Back on Track will be the first project of its kind in the area.

"We are confident that the success of Back on Track will lead to an expanded service for more 16 to 18-year-olds across the whole of Teesside," said trust area manager Karen Stubbings.

"There is certainly a huge need for it.

"There's very little help and support available once they reach 16 or schooling ends."