A Tees-based company, whose unique e-learning software is helping former SSI workers into new jobs as well as winning it contracts with businesses of all sizes including the Ministry of Defence, has expanded into new premises.

mylearnadfriend, set up by Tony Abbott and Alan Hammersley three years ago, has moved from Middlesbrough to UK Steel Enterprise’s Innovation Centre at Redcar where the additional office space and facilities will help it grow further.

The company’s bespoke e-learning software programmes have the benefit of being interactive and provide a training system for businesses and organisations across sectors from offshore, automotive, energy and healthcare to oil and gas, engineering, leisure, transport and retail.

In collaboration with Redcar and Cleveland College, my learnadfriend is helping former SSI workers into employment by allowing them to acquire a health and safety certification that appeals to potential employers across many sectors and increases their chances of finding a new job.

“It is rewarding to see many former SSI workers signing up for the online health and safety courses which are helping them gain meaningful employment,” said Tony Abbott, who has decades of experience in training and learning. “Some delegates then have the confidence to go on and complete a National Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety (NEBOSH).”

“Our partnership with the College, which is leading the way in providing these e-learning opportunities, means workers can tell a potential employer that they have already completed the training and produce the certificate with their CV.

“mylearnadfriend is now making successful inroads into the further education sector in the south and we see massive potential for us in this and many other sectors.

“The real benefit of our programmes is that they can be used by businesses of every size from high street retailers right through to major corporations. They are cost-effective, right up-to-date, available 24-7 and can provide a complete online walk-through of company premises including demonstrations of equipment and recognition of hazards.

“With our larger offices and the facilities at the Innovation Centre in place we are looking to the future with confidence and hope to be creating jobs ourselves in the not too distant future,” he added.

Peter Taylor of UK Steel Enterprise, the business-support subsidiary of Tata Steel, said: “Former SSI workers are showing such commitment in their efforts to find new employment and mylearnadfriend is giving them new skills and qualifications needed to win jobs. We are very pleased that the company has chosen to make our Innovation Centre its new base.”

Details of UK Steel Enterprise’s support for businesses - with finance and managed premises - is available on 01642 777 777 and at www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk. mylearnadfriend is on 0203 397 4349 and www.mylearnadfriend.co.uk