Zodiac Launch New South Shields Centre
Dated: 04/11/2009

Zodiac Training's new South Shields Centre was officially opened by Councillor James Foreman. The centre is dedicated to the support of 16-18 year olds and those seeking employment.

Zodiac Training officially launched their new South Shields centre at Cookson House on Friday 30th Oct with staff, learners and Councillor James Foreman in attendance.

The centre will support two Zodiac Training programmes which aim to help the people of the region into employment or further education.

The e2e (entry to employment) programme is for 16 - 18 year olds and provides valuable training, work experience and one-to-one tutoring to enable young people to progress into further education or employment.

Zodiac's Response to Redundancy programme provides a vacancy matching service as well as support, guidance and training backed up with a unique database of local vacancies and is for anyone looking for a new role or even a complete career change.

Councillor Foreman, who cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the centre, was impressed with the facilities on offer and spoke about the importance of the programmes, he said:

"I'm delighted to be here today to open this new centre. Support for people in the region, particularly young people, is an area very close to my heart and a driving force in everything I do. It is obvious when I walk round the centre and talk to the young people here that they are getting a lot of support and they have a real interest in coming here to take advantage of the opportunities Zodiac are providing. I'm only unhappy that I'm not young enough to tap into this great resource!

"South Tyneside can't be successful unless its residents are successful so I'm thrilled with the opportunities Zodiac Training are putting in front of people through their Response to Redundancy programme. It's making a real difference to the area by helping people back into sustainable employment."

Amanda Corbitt, Operations Director at Zodiac Training said:

"As a resident of South Tyneside it's fantastic to be here at the opening of our second site in the borough. I know the area and its people well and the services we provide really do make a positive difference to people's lives. I would encourage anyone looking for a new job or career change, as well any young person who wants help to find work or get into further education, to get in touch with us and discuss the support we can provide them."

Jacqui McQueen, co-founder of Zodiac Training and Vice MD said:

"2009 has been a special year for Zodiac. October marks the 13th anniversary of the company and during this year we have opened five new offices within the North- East, expanded our range of services and taken on over 100 new staff - and we're still expanding looking for more staff! We couldn't have had such success without the companies and individuals we work with having success as well and I'm extremely proud of the work we are doing in this centre and others around the region."

Councillor Foreman added, "I've really enjoyed coming to see Zodiac Training today. Long may the good work continue and I look forward to coming back in 6 months time to hear about your further success stories."

Zodiac Training provide a wide-range of career enhancing services across the North-East including work-based qualifications, apprenticeships, services for young people and the unemployed. They can be contacted at their new centre in Cookson House, South Shields or at their Team Valley Head Office on 0845 330 8184.