The Gateway to Gateshead leisure attendants and cleaner scheme – part of Gateshead Council’s economic development service – invited unemployed residents to take up a free four-week training course, with free transport and childcare during course hours.

Gateshead College provided the training, including interview skills, first aid, customer service techniques, swimming pool maintenance and a lifeguard qualification, as well as a course on equality and diversity.

Of the attendees, 14 completed the scheme and nine were offered employment.

The Gateway to Leisure project is jointly funded by Single Programme, the European Social Fund and the National Employment Panel.

The council’s economic development service helps people get back into work by offering free support in writing a CV and completing application forms, accessing training and interview techniques. Details: www.gateshead.gov.uk