A Tyneside college is playing a lead role in a flagship project to maintain vital skills for marine and offshore industries.

South Tyneside College, in conjunction with Swan Hunter, has launched a new adult apprenticeship training programme, known as Jobs on the Riverside, which aims to attract experienced adults to the industry, providing the latest training in all sectors of shipbuilding, repair and fabrication.

The pilot project, which is also being funded by the Learning and Skills Council for Tyne and Wear, has been designed by the college to meet the specific requirements of Swan Hunter.

It has already attracted more than 250 applicants for 12 positions in welding and plating.

The new recruits, all aged over 25, already have relevant skills and experience which the course will work to expand.

Jobs on the Riverside, Swan Hunter and other training partners aim to build on the established skills base of the river Tyne and maintain the flow of people entering the marine and offshore industries.

Len Stule, business development manager for the Department of Marine and Mechanical Engineering at South Tyneside College, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for us to play a positive role in securing the future of an extremely important industry in this region."

Ken Relton of Swan Hunter, said: "This project represents part of a long-term drive by Swan Hunter and our partners to maintain and expand the skills base on the river."