AN unemployed worker from Ferryhill was the first to take advantage of a training centre that will cater for the needs of 500 apprentices and 40 staff.
Paul Thompson, 26, hopes to launch a career as a forklift truck driver and is using South West Durham Training's (SWDT) dedicated learndirect centre in Newton Aycliffe.
The facility will house a range of business, industry and engineering training, primarily focusing on productivity improvement, skills for life, business management and ICT.
Mr Thompson said: "Getting a basic grounding in the theory side of things is giving me plenty of confidence in preparation for the practical challenge of driving the forklifts."
Bob Waller, manager of SWDT, said: "Online learn- direct courses add value and complement the course programmes which we already run here and we have decided to take advantage of its services by opening a centre here.
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