RECORD intake at a marine college in the region has led to the creation of 16 new lecturing and support jobs.
South Tyneside College, in South Shields, has taken on staff to cope with high enrolment on its marine courses.
Department head Gary Hindmarch said: "The college already has a reputation for the quality of its marine training, but we have seen an unprecedented rise in enrolment figures.
"Over the last four years, the number of new ship deliveries has increased by 40 per cent to meet global demand - and the number of people entering the industry has also rapidly grown.
"Our enrolment reflects this trend. More than 350 school leavers will start maritime training schemes with us, pushing enrolment levels to those last seen in the Seventies."
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