A FORMER scaffolder's labourer is starting work after 18 months on the dole after completing a training course.
John Barker, 46, from Marske, east Cleveland, has qualified as a steel erector after attending the training course run in partnership by Jobcentre officials and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.
The 16-week long steel erecting course was the first to be set up in the UK after local firms Cleveland Bridge and DK Steel won big contracts.
Cleveland Bridge won a contract for steel erection at the new Wembley Stadium in London and DK Steel will be working on a bridge project in Sheffield.
Mr Barker said: "The trainers at NETA Training made me feel very comfortable and my age was not an issue during the course."
He is one of ten men to have qualified, three of them from Redcar.
Gordon Pratt, spokesman for Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, said: "The trainees have all been very committed in their attitude and have performed very well.
"I am delighted with their progress and hope that the industry will continue their development."
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