A TRAINING scheme for unemployed people in Copeland has helped a Calderwood House resident improve his skills and confidence.

Livingstone Surface Treatments Limited is working with West Cumbria Works to provide a pilot project that offers Industrial Coating Applicator Training Scheme (ICATS) training to local unemployed people.

The scheme helps to develop their skills, confidence and motivation.

“I’ve just moved in here and I got the chance of a free course so I took it on and passed with flying colours,” said Richard James, 50.

“We watched a video and answered questions on it, it was a lot of health and safety.

“There was 12 of us doing it and I was the only one from Calderwood House. I’ve only been in here four weeks and what a difference I’ve felt in myself. I have a lot more confidence in myself.”

West Cumbria Works was initiated by Sellafield Ltd and helps unemployed and underemployed people in Copeland and Allerdale develop the skills and experience they need to find work.

The ICATS programme came about because of the increasing skills needed in the industry. Over the past 20 years advances in industrial paints and the associated preparation standards have made the application of systems a skilled operation.

And Richard credits Calderwood House with helping him to grow in confidence.

He said: “The course helped and the staff in here are really good. They give you all the support you need and it’s just brilliant.”

Since moving into the homeless hostel, he has had the opportunity to get involved with a number of community projects.

“We’ve done a lot of voluntary work around Egremont, in my first week we planted the mural on the way in to the town. We’ve cleared weeds, helped at the food bank and next we’re painting benches,” Richard explained.