CHEMICAL technicians at a North-East company that tests contaminated land have benefited from a training programme.

Derwentside Environmental Testing Services, in Consett, County Durham, which provides chemical testing for contaminated land, water and wastewater, took advantage of subsidies provided by the pilot scheme eQ8.

Having previously found it difficult to find subsidised training, it used the scheme to embark on a programme for three technicians to secure NVQ Level 2 in laboratory skills.

One of the employees is Bob Bennett, 59, from Newcastle, whose qualification means he can progress to the position of chemist.

The qualification is also helping fellow technicians, 32-year-old David McCully, from Consett, and Robert Bennett, 30, from Wallsend, Tyneside, undertake further training to develop their careers.

Julie Bennett, director of Derwentside Environmental Testing Services, said: "Training mature staff has been an issue for us, but eQ8 is helping overcome that barrier."

Interested employers are asked to contact the eQ8 hotline 0800 083 3312 or visit the website www.eQ8.info

Published: 12/04/2005