FORMER SSI steelworkers have swapped heavy industry for the sports field.
Funding from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) is helping them to find employment in the sports and leisure sector by helping to fund their training.
A sum of £2,000 from UKSE’s Community Support Fund, awarded to Teesside Athletic Football Club, provided funding for 20 former employees to gain a Sports Coaching Qualification. Some have already found employment with one setting up his own sports-based business.
Kevin Fryett, of Teesside Athletic FC, said: ““Many of the former workers say that all the sessions are giving them a focus and helping in lots of ways from improving their job chances to boosting their self confidence. Some have taken Dementia Friendly Courses, not only boosting their CVs but also leading to them doing voluntary work in the community.”
The qualification is part of a three-year programme of sessions being run by Teesside Athletic FC for former SSI workers to help them back into work, gain valuable qualifications and improve their skills and quality of life.
Sarah Thorpe, of UKSE, said the courses improve people’s opportunities and lives.
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