Newcastle company offers free training course to job-hunters

Job hunters in the north east are being offered free place on a training course for job opportunities in the offshore wind energy sector.

Maersk Training has developed a ten-week training course to equip job seekers with essential safety skills needed to work in an offshore wind turbine environment.

The diploma covers working at height, manual handling, sea survival and fire awareness and all who complete the course will receive a Maersk Training Diploma in Staying Safe in the Wind Turbine Environment.

Newcastle-based, Maersk Training specialises in courses for the maritime, offshore oil and gas, and offshore wind sectors.

Sean Green, Instructor at Maersk Training said: “Tough economic times mean unemployment rates are high in our region.

“Encouragingly, the offshore and wind energy sectors are expanding at a very fast pace so there are countless opportunities out there for people seeking employment and looking to get into a thriving industry but learning these safety skills is a vital prerequisite.

“This is a great chance to offer people who might not otherwise be financially able to improve their prospects, an opportunity to get their foot on the ladder and gain a valued qualification.”

A pilot course starts on 1st July, with places available for up to 40 people, to qualify for a free place, applicants must be unemployed, an EU resident and aged 19 or over on 31st August 2012.

People who do not qualify for a free place are eligible to apply for a place on the pilot course at a subsidised rate.

Karen Watson, Employer Adviser for Jobcentre Plus in North Tyneside said: “Jobcentre Plus are excited to be working with Maersk Training to help local people gain access to the skills and training required for employment within the growing wind industry.

“We work with a number of training organisations and businesses to equip jobseekers with the skills employers need and I am sure this opportunity will appeal to many looking to find out more about the energy sector”

Anyone interested should contact Emma Pattison, Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Maersk Training on 0191 296 6895.