NORTHUMBERLAND JOB WORKSHOPS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2021 :: RMTnews 22 Northern has launched a second series of workshops seeking to give local communities in the north east a competitive advantage in the job market ahead of the opening of the Northumberland Line which will bring rail services and jobs to the region. Work on the line is expected to begin next year and Network Rail is now working on plans to upgrade the track and infrastructure. The re-opening of the Northumberland Line, which brings with it six new or refurbished stations at Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside, Newsham, Seaton Delaval and Northumberland Park, will be a huge boost for the area and the courses are designed to give local people the best possible chance to be part of the workforce. Special rail services have already taken place between Newcastle and Morpeth as plans to reintroduce passenger trains on the Northumberland Line gather pace. Northumberland County Council and Northern hosted the events which saw trains travel on part of the Northumberland Line – taking in the route that will see five of the six proposed new stations built by 2024. As well as the new stations the Northumberland Line will also result in an upgrade of 18 miles of track to provide local communities with enhanced connectivity. The scheme, proposed by Northumberland County Council, has been made possible by the government’s Restoring Your Railway Fund, which offered development funding to explore options to restore lost rail services connections to communities. Northern regional director Kerry Peters said that the first series of workshops had been very popular. “We are determined to make a positive impact for the north and one of the ways we can do that, and build stronger links with the communities we serve, is to help those communities develop skills that give them an edge when looking for and applying for jobs,” she said. Northern’s online workshops are open to all focus on CV writing and interview coaching, building self-esteem, understanding great customer service and an introduction to Northern. “We’re the second largest employee in the north east and we’re growing all the time. As we grow, we want to drive forward success within the region and provide employment opportunities – as well as travel – to the communities we serve,” she said. Northern has joined forces with local authorities in the region to make the workshops available to those who may not be able to access the required technology at home. Contact details for the local authorities are: Newcastle City Council - 0191 580 6601 - skillshub@newcastle.co.uk Northumberland County Council - employmentandtraining@northumberland.gov.uk North Tyneside Council - 0191 643 2111 - employability.skills@northtyneside.gov.uk Local communities in the north east encouraged to take up employment on new railway route NEW ROUTE: Bedlington bridge NORTHUMBERLAND JOB WORKSHOPS