AN employment project has moved into new surroundings following a £370,000 scheme.

Redcar and Cleveland Council's Job Connect programme, which is spreading across east Cleveland as part of the council's Route to Employment initiative, has expanded from its original remit for South Bank and Grangetown.

Yesterday, the council's mayor, Peter Spencer, opened the project's new home at the South Tees Skills Centre, formerly Grangetown Adult Training Centre, on the Bolckow Road Industrial Estate, in Grangetown.

The funding package, which is providing three training rooms and an IT suite with 17 computers, is largely made up of £96,000 from the European Regional Development Fund, £85,000 from the Department of Work and Pensions, £50,000 from Redcar and Cleveland Council and £39,900 from the regional development agency, One NorthEast.

The council's cabinet member for economic development, Councillor Vera Moody, said: "Job Connect has always carried out excellent work, finding jobs for young adults. It has given hundreds of them that vital foothold on the jobs ladder and long may they continue.

"The new facilities at the Skills Centre are going to contribute to the ongoing work. They will play a significant part in the training to improve essential skills that help young people make an impact on the jobs market."