MORE than 120 young people are expected to take the first step onto the career ladder with the help of a new training centre in Durham.

The North-East Chamber of Commerce has strengthened the range of opportunities it offers to youngsters by opening the city centre facility.

NECC will be looking for Durham-based companies to get involved and help to fill the skills gap by providing placement opportunities leading to employment.

Kelly Al-Sundukchi, manager of the centre, said: "One of the greatest challenges facing the region is the lack of skilled staff.

"This centre will offer opportunities for young people in and around Durham that they have not previously enjoyed. There are a whole host of careers they can embark on in the future.

"It's very important that the business community gets involved and provides placement opportunities for County Durham's future workforce. After all, the apprenticeships of today will be the senior staff of tomorrow."

The chamber's efforts to improve skills across the North-East have resulted in more than 9,000 youngsters finding jobs.

Durham Training Centre, in Hawthorne Terrace, will provide opportunities in areas such as business administration, customer service, retail operations, warehousing, engineering, accounts, dental nursing, hospitality and catering and IT. For more information, call Lisa Hesler on 0800 1957373.