YOUNGSTERS have boosted their job prospects by completing a training scheme which involves Sunderland Football Club.

Social housing provider livin' has funded the ten week long employability scheme Back in the Game in partnership with the football club’s The Foundation of Light charity.

So far a group of 30 teenagers drawn from Shildon, Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland, and Newton Aycliffe have taken part.

The scheme aims to give unemployed youngsters aged 19 and above the skills, qualifications and the confidence that they need to secure jobs.

Topics covered include numeracy, literacy and first aid.

As part of the course the students must complete a two week work placement with employers such livin, the Territorial Army and the Pioneering Care Partnership.

It is run from livin’s community facility Foundations, based on Church Street, in Shildon, and half of the 30 people who have taken part so far have secured employment.

Alan Boddy, livin’s executive director of people and communities, said: “The Back in the Game programme supports people to maximise their potential and improve their prospects by using fun, healthy and innovative ways of learning.”

The next Back in the Game course at Shildon is due to start the week commencing Monday, January 19, next year.

Further details on Foundations can be obtained via 01388-317007, email futures@livin.co.uk or visit livin.co.uk/foundations/back-in-the-game