PAUL Dodds is steering his way to a brighter future thanks to the training and support provided by his employer.

Mr Dodds, 31, of Blackhill in Consett has spent the last 12 months undertaking a number of written and practical tests at Ford's plant in Daventry in the West Midlands.

And his efforts have now paid off after landing the job of senior technician at the Jennings Ford outlet in Gateshead.

The Masters' training initiative is the biggest development in technician training the Ford Care institute has ever launched.

The programme is aimed at all car and van technicians, both mechanical and electrical and it is designed to help employees develop skills needed to carry out their day to day duties. There are a number of development paths to suit most individuals and business needs.

Paul said: "It's great being given this excellent opportunity and I am delighted to have achieved senior technician status.

"The next stage is to become a Ford Masters' Technician which I am aiming to achieve in the near future."

Paul has always held a strong interest in cars, and he entered the world of motors at the age of 16 after leaving school.

Having worked through his chosen development path, Paul must continue his studies to land a post as a Masters' technician.