Jobseekers in North East England can gain a competitive edge in the jobs market through workshops to be delivered by Northern Trains.

These will be the third workshops run by the company after the success of two previous online sessions. Like those, these workshops will be online and open to all and will focus on writing a CV, providing coaching for interviews, and explaining how to build self-esteem, understand great customer service, and give an introduction to Northern.

The workshops are set to take place next Wednesday, 26th October, and come as Northern makes plans to open its new route, the Northumberland Line, that will bring rail services, and new jobs, to the region. All training will take place online via Microsoft Teams and full details of the course and how to apply can be found at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/northern-workshops.

To make the workshops available to anyone who may not be able to access them at home, Northern has joined forces with the following local authorities in the region:

• Newcastle City Council – 0191 580 6601 – [email protected]
• Northumberland County Council – [email protected]
• North Tyneside Council – 0191 643 2111 – [email protected]

Northern has previously provided help for job seekers by offering them a discount card giving 50% off rail travel for up to three months.

Kerry Peters, Regional Director at Northern, said: “Our series of workshops have been very popular, so we have decided to bring them back, allowing even more people to benefit.

“We are determined to make a positive impact for the north east and one of the ways we can do that, and build stronger links with the communities we serve, is to help local people develop skills that give them an edge when looking for and applying for jobs.

“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, is a huge boost for the area and we want to give local people the best possible chance to be part of the workforce.

“We’re the second largest employee in the northeast and we want to drive forward success within the region and provide employment opportunities – as well as travel – to the communities we serve.

“Our training modules are designed to give people in our communities transferable skills that are going to help build confidence and apply for opportunities either with Northern or other employers in the region.”