Month of courses takes Graham from steelworks to building trade

The 54-year-old, who had worked at Tata for five years, did a month-long plastering, plumbing and joinery course and now works for Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

He said: “I left on the Friday. I went on a month’s course and then started the following Monday. I never had a day off.

“Obviously being made redundant was very worrying because nobody knew who was going. A lot of people were very worried about their pensions.

“I was one of the first ones to use the Tata Resource Centre service. They were tremendous. They were always available. I am very, very pleased and I honestly wouldn’t have found a job so quickly without the help. They were brilliant.”

Graham added: “It was without doubt really hard leaving Tata and not being sure what my options were.

“The staff at the resource centre were great and very supportive.

“Without this training I would have been in a more difficult position. I would say to anyone else in my position, it’s difficult taking those steps, but it’s definitely worth persevering.”