EASINGTON MP Grahame Morris has praised the invaluable work of the East Durham Employability Trust and called on the Government to do more to support successful training providers.

Grahame Morris was speaking following his visit to the Peterlee-based trust that offers real work experience working on real products through contracts with local organisations.

Their Destination Employment programme is an eight-week work experience scheme providing young people with the skills required to move into the workplace.

Mr Morris said: “The Employability Trust has been built up from nothing by chief executive Bill Marley, who has used his local knowledge and expertise in the manufacturing and engineering industry to create a successful training route for young people to move into employment.

“Their success rate is extraordinary, and surpassed by none other. We need to highlight the work of the Employability Trust as an example of best practice, which can be replicated in other areas”

In the past twelve months an unrivalled 94 per cent of candidates who have completed the Destination Employment programme have moved into sustainable employment. That is one candidate helped into employment every other week through the Trust’s work.

Mr Marley said: “It’s fantastic to have the support of someone with Grahame’s influence and importance.

“We want to continue to help as many young people into work by giving them real practical experience and improving the efficiency of local businesses.”

However, Mr Morris has spoken of his disappointment at the lack of assistance the Employability Trust has received from government bodies tasked with supporting people into work.

He said: “We need more than warm words, it is time for real support for charities like the Employability Trust which are improving the life chances for young people in East Durham.”