AUCKLAND Castle and a North-East housing provider have teamed up to launch an employability project in a County Durham town.

The scheme is designed to boost employment prospects for those living in and around Bishop Auckland by helping ensure people have the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace.

Set up by Auckland Castle Trust and Dale and Valley Homes, Stepping Stones to Improve Employability is targeted specifically at those experiencing long-term unemployment or lacking in the experience and self-assurance to find, and thrive in, voluntary or paid employment.

Alison Tweddle, the trust's community outreach officer, said: “This will not only help to upskill members of the general public but we will also be partnership working with Dale and Valley Homes to deliver the project and hopefully continue it independently in future years.

"Each session will be steered by those taking part, with a fun and informal approach to ensure they are accessible to all ages and backgrounds."

The NE Procurement-funded pilot scheme will offer a rolling programme of two individual courses, each designed to prepare participants for applying for work, performing well in an interview and entering the workforce with an enhanced set of practical and social skills.

At the end of each course, all those taking part will be given the opportunity to celebrate their progress and experience a practice interview.

There will also be an opportunity to apply for positions within Auckland Castle Trust, should suitable roles be available, and sign up for further training with Dale and Valley Homes.

Kimberley Batey, community training project coordinator for the housing provider, said: “Not only will this prove personally beneficial for our participants but it could also help to improve the skills base in Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area.”

The first course starts in November and will run for four months with weekly two-hour sessions at Mickle Grove Community Training Hub led by a dedicated team of experienced facilitators.

For more information and to register interest, call Ms Batey on 0746 940 2619 or 01388 770974 or email k.batey@daleandvalleyhomes.co.uk by October 31. The second course will run from March.