Goodbye dole queue, hello to our careers

July 2000 - Evening Chronicle - Newcastle

After more than six months on the dole, Michael Brannighan and John Barnes are now in control of their careers after enrolling on a New Deal training programme with the North East Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Brannighan, 21, from Wallsend and Mr Barnes, 23 from Cramlington have been recruited by Electrical Control Panel Manufacturers Labtec. They are the also the first chamber New Deal trainees to complete NVQ Level-H in engineering.

Following an initial training period the pair embarked on a practical placement with the Cramlington firm and so impressed the bosses that they were given full-time jobs.

The pair now work in the wiring and assembly departments, which produce industrial control panels for ventilation, air conditioning and water pumping stations in buildings around the UK.

Lesley Beattie, one of the Directors at Labtec, said: ' Following a period of growth we needed to recruit staff and wanted to give youngsters a chance through the New Deal scheme. We also wanted workers who were enthusiastic and committed and who could follow an industry recognised engineering programme. That's why we approached the chamber. The chamber was able to direct the training in the workplace and assess John and Michael's progress on a weekly basis. After a year they were awarded their NVQ qualifications.'

Mr Brannighan said: 'This is my first real job and I'm really happy here. My role involves installing and wiring the circuitry into the control panels and my competence in this has been continually assessed for me to get the NVQ.'

Mr Barnes said: 'As well as the practical skills we learned through the chamber, we were also given general training on workshop disciplines like team working and health and safety, which has been useful.'

John Stelling, training adviser with the North East Chamber said: 'The New Deal training programme gives young people like John and Michael a real career start.'

Labtec employs 26 staff and its training efforts have helped the company secure the covered Investors in People national standard.