A NORTH-EAST training company is defying the downturn with the recruitment of four new staff.

Gateshead based Access Training has expanded to a 23-strong team employees thanks to the launch of training courses for the unemployed and the appointment of a number of subcontractors which has widened its services.

After being appointed as Access business development manager, Donna Barker said: "In this economy, having a skilled, reliable workforce has never been so important. My role is to work with businesses in the region to help them take on apprentices and develop their employees so they can be as competitive as possible."

Nicola Henderson will deliver sales and IT training to learners who are unemployed to help them get back into the workplace.

David Armstrong, son of the companys managing director, Malcolm, has been appointed to the finance department to support business growth. Kate Veitch is an apprentice and responsible for administration and helping to link learners with apprenticeship opportunities on the National Apprenticeship Vacancy system. She supports learner inductions and interviews.

Access Training provides apprenticeships in areas such as business administration, warehousing & distribution and manufacturing operations.