YOUNG public sector workers have the chance to improve their numeracy and literacy skills thanks to a partnership between five district councils.
Derwentside, Wear Valley, Chester-le-Street and Teesdale district councils, and Sedgefield Borough Council, are running a scheme offering NVQ qualification training to emmployees aged 19 and over.
As the first region-wide initiative in the country, the scheme is made possible by eQ8, a training funds scheme run by the Learning and Skills Council North-East.
EQ8 can offer funding for public sector training up to NVQ Level 2 standard once a council has arranged a programme with the Learning and Skills Council.
Principal personnel officer for Wear Valley District Council, Angela Foster, said: "Our particular programme has 40 people going through the training and eight have been through with excellent results.
"It gives people up-to-date training, which is something employers look for.
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