3:49pm Wednesday 11th November 2009
TALK show host Trisha Goddard has visited Chester-le-Street to promote a Learning and Skills Council careers advice service.
Nextstep is a free service for anyone aged 20 and over and is available to 18 or 19-year-olds who have been by Jobcentre Plus.
Nextstep advisers help people understand the job market, search, and apply, for jobs, find funding to support learning, develop a CV, improve interview and presentation skills, and find ways to progress in a current job.
Since August 2008, Nextstep has helped 20,503 people across the North-East. Last month it contacted a sample of 2,861 of its clients to get a snapshot of the impact the service is having. Of those contacted 501 had gained employment (18per cent), 736 had gone into training (26 per cent) and 87 had received promotions ( three per cent).
The TV presenter visited St Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic Church in Ropery Lane where she helped launch a booklet called Training that will help people find work.
"Through my show and personal experience I have learned that life is about overcoming challenges, looking for opportunities and not being afraid to ask for help and support," said Ms Goddard.
To order a copy of the book call 0800 277 944 or visit the website www.nextstepnortheast.org.uk To find Nextstep officesvisit www.nextstepnortheast.org.uk or e-mail nextstep@cfbt.com or call 0800 277 944.
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