27.06.08
A training scheme designed to attract new staff members to the contact centre industry has been hailed a success by a government minister, according to reports.
The secretary of state for work and pensions James Purnell visited call centres in the north-east of England to celebrate the contribution of the region's Go Forward employment scheme, reports the
Peterlee Mail.
Around 1,000 local people have been helped into the contact centre industry by the project, it is claimed.
Commenting on the benefits, Mr Purnell said: "We know there are many people on incapacity benefit who can and want to work, but have never been given the chance to actually demonstrate their skills.
"Training programmes like Go Forward are essential in helping people see what they are capable of if given the opportunity and I am delighted to be here today to see the results of what is proving to be a very successful scheme."
Contact Centre Professional launched the scheme alongside the North East Employer Coalition, the Learning and Skills Council, Jobcentre Plus, the Department for Education and Skills and E Skills.
Peterlee is a new town in County Durham, named after the prominent local miner Peter Lee.
