A TRAINING and employment scheme which guarantees paid work has been launched in Stanley and Peterlee.

Enterprise Durham Partnership (EDP) runs programmes covering skills such as CV writing and interview techniques, training courses in customer services, manufacturing, mathematics, English and a range of other subjects.

As well as supporting those looking for work, EDP also helps people already in employment to gain new qualifications, giving employers the opportunity to up-skill their workforce for free.

The project, which is run by local housing provider Derwentside Homes, is already proving successful with 13 of the original 20 trainees gaining positions within EDP and a further six finding permanent employment in their local area.

Since then, a further 25 people have been taken on hoping to gain new skills and experience.

Derwentside Homes’ business development manager, Phillip Curran, said: “This scheme is having a really positive impact on the lives of residents through accredited training and work experience to ensure we find them sustainable employment avenues in the future.

“Building new skills and providing educational opportunities is critical in helping to boost people’s confidence and ensure they fulfil their potential.”

EDP has two showrooms based in Stanley and Peterlee which display branded furniture and white goods for sale at much lower prices than high-street retailers.

One person who has benefitted from the scheme is mum-of-three Jaimie Netherton, 27, of Stanley, who was referred to EDP through Jobcentre Plus.

She said: “This experience has really boosted my confidence. I’ve now got an up-to-date CV and real experience I can use when looking for work.”