TWO teenagers who attended a scheme run by training firm Nordic Pioneer to tackle youth unemployment in Teesside have successfully secured employment.

18-year-old Sean Graigs, from Hartlepool, took part in Nordic’s Get Fit for Work programme, which has helped him to land a full-time position as a warehouse operative at outsourcing solutions provider Respondez.

The Get Fit for Work scheme consisted of one-week boot camps to give 16 to 18 year-olds the chance to get involved in various activities with the aim of boosting their employability.

The course enabled Sean to develop his communication and team work skills as he worked towards his interview.

He said: “I’m pleased I took part in the scheme as it gave me the opportunity to enhance my CV and understand what an employer is looking for. The course covered different areas and gave me an insight into what to expect in an interview and how to prepare for it.

“The course environment was relaxed and very enjoyable, enabling me to increase my confidence. I am thoroughly enjoying my new job and I hope to stay here for the foreseeable future.”

Emma Whitfield, from Darlington, was introduced to the course through Avanta Enterprise’s youth employment programme and has become a cleaning and environmental services apprentice with Nordic Pioneer.

The teenager, who has just turned 19, said: “I attended college but I found it wasn’t the right approach and I wanted something that was more hands on. The apprenticeship is perfect.”