UNEMPLOYED south Essex people have taken first steps into a caring career by completing an on-the-job training programme.

Agroup of six people can start work in Estuary Housing care homes in Shoebury, Canvey, Benfleet and Wickfordafter completing a six-week training course with the Southend-based housing association.

The new support assistants, aged between 20 to 61, were congratulated on their success with a “passing out” ceremony at Estuary Housing’s headquarters.

Terrence McQueen, 59, of Creek Road, Canvey, said: “I’ve enjoyed the opportunity of learning something completely new to me.

“I’ve been at Sydervelt Lodge, on Canvey, learning how to support the five men with learning disabilities who live there.

“I’m delighted I will be considered for a support assistant post in one of the Estuary services with the new skills I have learned.”

Estuary Housing, which manages properties including those on Southend’s Woodgrange Estate, set up the training scheme with with Basildon Jobcentre Plus because it needed to recruit and train new support assistants right across south Essex.

The trainees who signed up were interviewed to make sure they had the right attitudes and skills and checked for criminal records. They spent two weeks studying for a qualification in health and social care and employability skills, then started a six-week programme working in supported housing and care.

Every Monday, they went to Estuary’s head office, Maitland House, Southend, for training.

The rest of the week was spent putting their new-found skills to use.

Under the Pre-Employment Training Project scheme, everyone who qualifies is guaranteed a job.

Patricia Dearnaley, assistant director of supported housing and care for Estuary Housing, said: “This new project has been a real success.

“Six trainees have completed the programme and are really keen to work in the supported housing and care sector.

“We’re really impressed they have fitted in so well at our schemes, caring for the peoplewe support.

“Weare be inaposition to offer permanent jobs to them all following a final interview to agree their future training needs.”