A jobseeker has spoken of how his outlook on finding employment changed for the better after taking part in a training scheme to help people find work.

Darren Hayden, 24, of Cliff Street, Scunthorpe, was one of the first ten tenants to enter North Lincolnshire Homes' Worked Up programme in November and the social landlord is now looking for another ten people to join the next programme.

The initiative, run in partnership with Fluent Coaching, gives participants up to eight one-to-one sessions to work through any barriers or personal obstacles between them and a job.

Three workshop sessions including advice on interview techniques and curriculum vitae building are also offered as part of the programme.

Mr Hayden, who has a 15-month-old daughter and also supports his partnerVictoria, 19, is now looking for a part-time job and is in the process of applying to join the Royal Marines.

He said taking part in the course made him take a different attitude towards finding work.

He said: "It has definitely improved my confidence and changed my thought process.

"It makes you feel like a typical, mundane job does not have to be everything you are trying to work for.

"Before, I would be offered jobs and think I had more to me than that. But to get to where I wanted to be, I would have had to go to college or university – but I have got a young family, so do I sacrifice them to do it?

"It put up a lot of walls and barriers and I wondered if it was all worth it, but the course changed my perspective.

"Now I have got an application form for Home Bargains at Skippingdale and I have got my name down with a couple of recruitment agencies.

"I will do anything to keep me going at the moment."

Of the ten people who entered the Worked Up programme last year, seven were measured as making significant progress after taking part in the sessions.

Chris Baker, community investment co-ordinator at the organisation, said: "This is a great opportunity for our unemployed young tenants to discover their potential and work towards their own ambitions.

"It is about giving the client the fire in the belly or confidence to get them into the labour market."

Tenants of any age who would like to take part should call Mr Baker on 01724 279900.