A RECRUITMENT drive to fill 80 jobs at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has started – and the jobs are for people who live in the Tees Valley.

Schiphol Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports and is looking to fill roles in its cargo warehouses, which involves breaking down incoming freight at the airport and redirecting it to other European countries.

The full-time roles are especially for those who are unemployed and who are in receipt of a work-related benefit.

So far this year, more than 20 roles have been filled and all candidates have been local to the region.

Once it is safe to do so, and restrictions are lifted, they will fly over to Amsterdam to sign their contracts.

Grangetown Training and Employment Hub has been hosting the five-day induction programme and there are still places available.

Councillor Wayne Davies, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to work in Amsterdam and the training is right here on our doorsteps.

“The coronavirus outbreak has affected many people’s livelihoods and jobs, so I’m really pleased that opportunities like this are available especially for those who are unemployed.

“These are unprecedented times, but Grangetown Employment Hub has demonstrated that these recruitment exercises can take place safely, and successfully, despite the coronavirus outbreak.

“We’re encouraging people to keep their eye out on the Grangetown and East Cleveland Hub Facebook pages to see what help is available.

“We do want to emphasise to our residents that their health and safety is our main priority, and we take social distancing very seriously.”

To register an interest, email your name, postcode and the name of the current benefit you receive to info.grangetown@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

All current training and employment opportunities are placed on the hubs’ Facebook pages.