After taking part in Esh Group’s highly successful ‘Fit for Employment Again’ programme, seven students were given a chance to shine as they took part in the six month programme which led them to full time work.

The ‘Fit for Employment Again’ programme aims to develop people who for a number of reasons have become difficult to employ and have no recognised training or experience, people for example with low aspirations for work, often with no qualifications or who are second generation out of work in their family.

Their intense training incorporated four stages with Norcare, North East Construction Training and Newcastle College.  The students spent 28 weeks at Newcastle College studying an NVQ in Maintenance Operations, funded by Job Centre Plus.  

Tony Carroll, a tutor for Fit for Employment Again at Esh Group said: “Fit for Employment Again is not just an initiative but a real project, which makes a massive impact on peoples lives. 

“The students are a great example of what can be achieved by business, education and public office when they come together under a common goal.

“This programme has engaged, motivated and provided real jobs, to people who have experienced problems attaining employment in the workplace

Dave Stickley, 42 from Slatyford is now in full time employment with Lumsden and Carroll Construction, part of Esh Group, after being unemployed for a number of years.  He said: “I have been working with Lumsden & Carroll for four weeks now, after I passed the six month training programme.

“I am very lucky to have been employed and pleased with my progress.  It’s great being able to earn some money finally and I find the work really interesting.

“I now look forward to more training with the company and learning lots more.”

Colin Stott, Construction Manager at Newcastle College said: “We are very happy to have been a part of this programme.  The students worked very well with the lecturers and worked hard to understand and learn the module.  We look forward to working with Esh Group again in the near future.”