The college has organised an ‘open door’ drop-in session for all Corus workers on Wednesday 17th March from 4pm to 6pm.

The aim of the day is to highlight the different retraining/educational opportunities that are available at the college. The former Corus workers will be given a tour of the college and staff will be on hand to discuss their options with them.

The college offers a wide range of vocational courses at all levels, so even people who have been out of education for a long period of time will be able to access learning suited to their needs. Those who are interested in returning to learning full-time but don’t have the entry qualifications can be fast tracked into education with the help of Access courses.

Gary Groom, Principal and Chief Executive of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “As a large employer based in Redcar we know only too well the impact the closure of the Corus steel plant has had on the town and the surrounding area.

“There are now 1,700 people out of work in the area and a great deal of them will have spent their whole career working in one industry, for one employer. Having to potentially look at a new career at this stage in their lives will be very daunting.

“By holding the drop-in session at the college we are hoping to demonstrate how we can help them make the most of the skills they already have, but also to develop new ones to expand and enhance their career choices and employment opportunities.

“This could be anything from a short course that will help people update their current skills or more in-depth and radical education and training that could put them on the road to a complete career change.”

Any Corus employee made redundant recently is welcome to attend the drop-in session at the college on Corporation Road, Redcar, on Wednesday 17th March from 4pm to 6pm. For more information please contact the college on 01642 473132 or visit www.cleveland.ac.uk

The Corus Workers Support Helpline number is 01642 777230.