A FORMER factory worker has made a radical career change after being made redundant - by getting a job in customer service.

Richard Laws, 55, of Wingate, had spent 26 years on the factory floor, at Lin Pac Plastics.

But now, with the help of Easington Action Team for Jobs, and Contact Centre Professional (CCP), the former process operator has become a customer service representative

Mr Laws attended an open day at CCP's premises, at Fern Court, on Bracken Hill, and was impressed with the training provider, which says 90 per cent of its students move into employment.

He began the CCP training programme shortly after the open day, which covered customer service, listening skills, confidence and interview techniques. It also included site visits to local call centres.

Within two months, he had secured work with a local employer.

Mr Laws said: "After being made redundant, I didn't think I would find a job, especially at my age, but I have been given a fantastic opportunity to retrain for a new career."

He has urged other jobseekers to attend the next open day at Contact Centre Professional, which will be held on Thursday, at Bracken Hill Business Park.

The CCP has invited anyone who is unemployed, or working fewer than 16 hours per week, and living in the Easington district, to drop in to Fern Court (above Positive Steps Nursery), Bracken Hill Business Park, from 10am to 4pm.

For more information about the open day, call 0191-587 2682 or Easington Action Team on 0800 389 6532.