Stockton Riverside College and NETA have announced a package of tailor-made courses aimed at helping those hit by the closure of the SSI Redcar steelworks.

The College, which has sites in Stockton and Billingham, is offering a range of industry-led qualifications, funded through its share of a dedicated £3m retraining package.

The bespoke programmes are available not only to SSI workers but also those working in the supply chain directly affected by the closure.

Michelle Elliott, Stockton Riverside College’s Director of Business Development, said: “The SSI closure has hit the people of Teesside hard and the College is keen to do its bit to help people build the skills to get back into work.”

Eligibility for the courses, which are being funded by the Skills Funding Agency’s retraining package as a direct response to the steel giant’s closure, has been relaxed to include adults of all ages who have been directly affected.

Applicants for the funded courses must provide a referral letter from the National Careers Service (NCS) or Department of Work and Pensions (DWP/JCP).

Following Stockton Riverside College’s recent merger with the NETA Training Trust, Ms Elliott said the College is well positioned to deliver a wide variety of industry-accredited qualifications/training/licences in many subject areas.

And, to help people get the maximum benefit, the College aims to deliver the tailor-made courses in “a responsive and flexible manner”.

Ms Elliott said: “We understand that after many years working in the same industry retraining can be daunting, not to mention the financial pressures.

“This is an opportunity to gain training/qualifications that people would traditionally have to pay for and to develop the skills needed to help find future employment.”

For more information about the SSI retraining courses available through Stockton Riverside College visit www.stockton.ac.uk/ssi-retraining/ call the College’s dedicated support advisor on 01642 865 568 or email ssisupport@stockton.ac.uk