Eight unemployed people are now on the career path after starting a work academy with Copeland Work and Skills Partnership.

The scheme aims to get candidates ready for work with employability skills and work experience. The latest two-week programme focuses on the hospitality and tourism sector.

It is supported by Summergrove Halls and the Georgian House Hotel, which will ensure candidates are prepared for the sector. There is even the chance of a job at the end of the scheme for the right candidates.

Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie said: "I am proud that we're offering these programmes through the partnership, as they really do make a difference. Because they focus on certain sectors, they offer candidates bespoke preparation for that industry and, for many candidates, it has led directly to jobs.

"They will also come out with more confidence, a range of workplace skills and a great addition to their CV. Employment and skills is one of the council's priorities, so it's great that, with partners from industry, we can offer this scheme. I have met the candidates and I wish them the best of luck on this course and in their future careers."

This is the sixth work academy that Copeland council and its partners have delivered, and 67 people have so far taken part. The programme is for unemployed people and includes pre-employment skills with an emphasis on the tourism and hospitality sector, short course training, mock interviews and work experience. All applicants are guaranteed a job interview at the end of the scheme.

Candidates are referred to the programme by the Department of Work and Pensions and other organisations helping people into work.

Sector-based work academies are part of a programme of activities being delivered by Copeland Work and Skills Partnership until June 2019. Copeland Community Fund is funding the activities, while Copeland Borough Council is funding a staff member for three years to devise and deliver them.

The partners in the Copeland Work and Skills Partnership are: Copeland Borough Council, Citizens' Advice Bureau, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service, Cumbria Youth Alliance, Department for Work and Pensions, Gen2, Groundwork North East and Cumbria, Home to Work/Works 4 You Ltd, Howgill Children's and Family Centre, Impact Housing, Inspira, Lakes College, Millom Network Centre, Phoenix Enterprise Centre and West Cumbria Works.

Any businesses with vacancies which are interested in being involved in a sector-based work academy can call the council's work and skills officer, Chris Pickles, on 01946 598326 or email chris.pickles@copeland.gov.uk