A NEW free programme has been launched in east Durham to help people from the construction industry get back into work.

East Durham College’s Business Academy has launched their first Sector-based Work Academy for the construction industry - in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, East Durham Homes and Wates Living Space.

Sector-based work academies are one of the Get Britain Working measures and run for up to six weeks.

The programme consists of three elements - pre employment training, a work experience placement and a guaranteed job interview.

A group of 10 unemployed construction workers from the east Durham area are the first to get the opportunity to take part in the programme and started their work experience placement.

They will be supervised by Wates Living Space and be involved in the delivery of Decent Homes works for East Durham Homes.

Les Thomson, project manager at Wates Living Space, said: "We are very keen to work with the College and Jobcentre Plus in developing training programmes.

"It’s very good to see such a high standard of people who are very enthusiastic about coming on the work placement."

Michael Munkcaster, who secured a placement with Wates, said: "I think the programme is great, it’s excellent to get good experience of working for a first class contractor.

"Everyone here has been very helpful and hopefully I can secure a job or possibly go self-employed after it."

For more information contact 0191-518 8390 or call into your local Jobcentre Plus.