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Bright spark becomes 1,000th employment success

Durham County Council’s Economic Development Team is celebrating a major milestone in boosting the county’s job prospects after securing 1,000 employment opportunities in just over two years.

Shannon Lishman has taken the first steps to her dream job by completing an electrical engineering apprenticeship with Consett-based Elm EV Ltd.

The 17-year-old became the 1,000th person to benefit from the council’s support since July 2011, when a wage subsidy was granted to the electrical vehicle charging company to help take Shannon on and allow her to complete her apprenticeship.

She joins a rapidly growing list of local residents who have been helped to get back into work, find their first job, undertake an apprenticeship or start their own business.

Despite doing well at school, Shannon felt further study wasn’t for her and was desperate to start work, breaking down barriers in the traditionally male dominated world of engineering.

Current government funding means Elm EV can offer free electric car charging points to customers and Shannon is trained to install these charging points to the client’s home.

Shannon, from Consett, said: “I really didn’t enjoy my time at sixth form, I just couldn’t wait to get out and get to work and get my hands dirty. I’ve always enjoyed working in a hands-on environment, so when the opportunity arose for me to begin an apprenticeship at Elm EV, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in!”

Anthony Piggot, managing director at Elm EV, said: “We are over the moon to be able to offer this apprenticeship to Shannon, who has become an invaluable member of our team.

“We recognise how an apprenticeship can benefit company’s such as Elm EV by bringing in enthusiastic, motivated, forward thinking young individuals that will become an essential part of any growing and developing business.”

The milestone has been reached in just over two years since the council started working with people locally to deliver the Government’s Work Programme.

However the landmark figure comes from a range of initiatives led by the Economic Development Team.

As well as the Apprenticeship Programme, creating opportunities for unemployed 16-24 year olds, the team also runs a rural employability project to help people find work.

Cllr Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Helping 1,000 people find employment opportunities in just over two years is a fantastic achievement for the council.

“In the current financial climate it’s vital that the council does all it can to make sure residents are given the help and support they need to find work, especially school leavers like Shannon.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .