THE latest graduate from a council's training programme has gained a permanent job.

John Hay, 23, had been unemployed for quite a while when he took part in Hartlepool Borough Council's Work Route programme.

During skills training and guidance sessions it became clear John, from Hartlepool, wanted to continue with his original plan to become a gas heating engineer.

In addition to organising paid work experience for him at the council, the Work Route team encouraged him to complete his NVQ Level 3 in plumbing and heating, and undertake additional specialist training in gas fitting.

After eight months on the programme he had gained the qualifications needed for his chosen career, and obtained a position as a gas heating engineer for Baileys of Newcastle.

Mr Hay said: "The qualifications confidence and work experience I gained through Work Route gave me a head start when it came to applying for jobs, and it was a big bonus to have paid work while I was learning.

"I owe a big thank you to Joanne Burton and Sue Williams of Work Route who helped me get to where I always wanted to be."

For further information on Work Route contact the council's working solutions department on (01429) 284482.