A PROGRAMME to help out-of-work youngsters to find work - which includes army training - is being launched in Hartlepool.

The project is being launched in the town to help unemployed young people gain the right skills to find permanent jobs.

Armed Forces Employability Pathways is a partnership between the Army, Hartlepool Council, Jobcentreplus and Hartlepool College of Further Education.

The free six-week programme – which starts on 15th June – is open to young people aged 18-35 who are out of work and includes:

* a five-day residential course at Catterick Garrison featuring practical team tasks to help build communication and other skills;

* a two-week self-marketing and enterprise course at Hartlepool College of Further Education;

* a three-week work experience placement in a business / industry sector.

Caron Auckland (CORR), Hartlepool Council's project officer for unemployment said: "This exciting course enables young people to gain relevant skills and valuable work experience to strengthen their CV.

"The combination of practical team tasks - under the expert eye of Army coaches - plus college coaching and a business placement builds real self-confidence and helps make the young person an attractive proposition for a future potential employer.

To help people find out more about the programme, special introductory sessions are being held at Hartlepool Job Centre in Wesley Square from 2pm-3pm on Thursday 21st May and Thursday 4th June.

Places at the introductory sessions must be booked in advance by contacting Caron Auckland on 07831 675973 or email caron.auckland@hartlepool.gov.uk