Northern will again host a workshop for jobseekers in the north east of England, following the success of three previous sessions.

Previously run online, the next workshop will be held on Friday 6 October in person at Wansbeck Workspace in Ashington, close to the site of the operator’s planned new conductor depot. Northumberland County Council gave planning permission for the depot in July. The depot, which will serve the new Northumberland line, will have mess room facilities, an office, and a signing-in point for staff.

The workshop is open to all, and will focus on CV writing, interview coaching, building self-esteem, understanding great customer service. It will also introduce Northern as an employer, ahead of its recruitment campaign for new conductors later this year. Full details can be found on the Northern website.

At 4.2%, the North East has the third highest unemployment rate of England’s nine regions.

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern, said: “We are determined to build stronger links with the communities we serve, and we can do that by helping 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 people that live nearby the best possible chance to be part of the workforce.”

Kerry added: “We’re the second largest employee in the north east 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.”