A council supported employment hub in one North East town has been celebrating as new figures state the service has helped get over 750 people out of unemployment.

The Stockton-on-Tees Employment and Training Hub, which first opened its doors in 2022, is based in Wellington Square as the current number of people who have benefitted from its help stands at 757.

From 10am-4pm Monday to Friday, jobseekers can visit the centre to use training rooms, event spaces and IT pods available and gain CV advice whilst applying for jobs.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing has praised the “thriving” hub.

He said: “Since the Employment and Training Hub opened in 2022, it has gone from strength to strength and the numbers really do speak for themselves.

“It was only in October that we were celebrating helping 500 people into jobs, so it goes to show how the Hub really is thriving at the moment.

“And when you visit, it’s easy to see why the Hub has been so successful, thanks to the range of tailored support on offer like one-to-one meetings, CV-writing help and interview techniques.

“And with so many more exciting opportunities on the horizon in 2024, there will be something for everyone looking to get the best out of their job search or career goals.

“Keep up the good work, everyone!”

Musa Sule is just one person who has been helped employment by the Hub after visiting a Security Industry Authority training course and securing a job as security officer working at Wellington Square.

Musa said: “I was unemployed last year and came to the Hub, where I was asked to submit my CV. From there, I was called in to an interview and was successful – and I am very, very grateful for the opportunity.

“The workers at the Hub are very accommodating and they helped me with a range of things. I have learnt a lot from the staff and they have made me a better person because of the training I was given.

“Now, I am very happy and glad to be employed in my job.”

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Another jobseeker Max Hinley secured an apprenticeship with the Council working in the highways team after visiting the Hub.

He said: “I went to one of the Hub’s apprenticeship events and I met one of the team who was helping with application forms and he was able to help me.

“From there, I was able to get an interview and I got the job, which was great for me.

“There were lots of different stands at the apprenticeship event and I was most interested in the highways job, but there was lots on offer and lots of courses too.

“I really like my new job and the people who I am working with, which means I’m enjoying it a lot.”