REFUGEES and asylum seekers are building new lives in the North-East thanks to a project that helps them develop invaluable work skills.

Newcastle City Council and the Automotive Sector Strategic Alliance (ASSA) have teamed up to help six eastern Europeans get back on their feet.

They are enrolled on a ten-week training scheme who specialise in training for the car industry and high volume manufacturing businesses.

Funded by Newcastle West into Work, East End Partnership and the city council, the Workfinder programme aims to develop the technical skills and techniques of the trainees.

The aim is to secure them with job interviews and, hopefully, work in local industry.

The ASSA course covers a variety of engineering and manufacturing skills, with trainees working on a simulated production line to create a realistic shop floor environment.

Albanian refugees Altin Mullai, 27, and Agron Kurto, 23, came to Britain last year and have spent much of their time brushing up on their English.

With a history of experience working in building design, farming, plastering and mechanics, the pair are well placed to start working again.

Phil Mordey, ASSA business development controller, is delighted with their progress.

He said: "Altin and Agron already have a lot of transferable skills that will be an asset to the region's companies, but this course will help enhance the skills they need to find employment.

"Bearing in mind the harsh background these refugees have come from, it is incredible to see how enthusiastic and optimistic they are"

Multi-linguist Iraqi asylum seeker, Safin Abdulla, 27, spent three years in the army and five years as a welder before he travelled alone to live in the UK.

Already proficient in five languages, Safin is developing his English at Newcastle College, as well as IT, welding, axle and bench skills.

He said: "We are all looking forward to standing on our own two feet and the skills we are learning at ASSA will hopefully give us the chance to find work."

Alison Sanderson, a workfinder with Newcastle City Council, said: "We believe the course will be successful for our clients because they provide realistic goals and practical skill development in areas that are always in demand across the North-East.