THE start of a major initiative to get local people from the west end of Newcastle into jobs has been launched.

One North East's land reclamation project at Newburn Riverside Industry Park is now underway and incorporates a major employment initiative.

And already the venture has marked two successes. Dave Watson, 23, and Steve Walker, 25, will be working for contractors Taylor Woodrow and earth moving specialist Webfell respectively on the regional development agency's flagship £46m million development.

They got their construction jobs after attending a purposely designed health and safety course aimed at helping local people get work on the site.

Dave is laying duct pipes for the site's cables and helping to prepare the cycle path which will encircle Newburn Riverside. Steve is operating a 12- tonne roller, compacting the earth for road surfaces.

To ensure more people are able to take advantage of jobs on the site and future development on the industry park, an on-site marketing and employment office has been opened by John Williams, deputy chairman, One NorthEast.

"We want to ensure the people living in the west end of Newcastle are given the best chance of becoming part of the development's success," said John.

"We expect this office to be a hub of activity, with employers and employees alike finding it an excellent source of information."

The employment suite is staffed by two people, Newcastle City Council workfinder Cath Cook and Stewart Armstrong of the Employment Service, who help people find out about vacancies and what training is required.

Future courses run via the employment suite will include dumper truck, fork lift truck and cherry picker operating.

The land reclamation will be completed in 2001, with One North East expecting development work to begin soon afterwards. The park is expected to bring up to 5,000 jobs to Newcastle, with a total investment of £116m