A NEW pathway into work has opened to help unemployed people in Hartlepool.

Called Work Route, the project helps jobless people gain the vital experience and qualifications they need to become self-employed in the construc-tion industry.

The scheme, backed by Hartlepool Borough Council, City Centre Training and local firms, is designed to help people find jobs as electricians, bricklayers, plasterers, plumbers and painters and decorators.

Diane Latimer, project manager at Hartlepool council, said: "We have found in the past that a number of unemployed people had some qualifications in craft trades, but couldn't progress any further because they couldn't get the on-the-job skills needed.

"Similarly, firms were reluctant to employ people if they hadn't reached this level, so it was a frustrating no-win situation. Now, with Work Route, jobless people can gain the crucial help and work experience they need."

People on the course spend up to a year working full-time with a local construction firm, while studying to gain higher qualifications.