HOUSING association staff took to the catwalk in an attempt to help people make the step into work by modelling how to dress for job interviews.

Tristar Housing’s Pathway Advisors held the employability event to support people looking to find a job including the provision of a skills assessment, advice on interview techniques, compiling a CV, accessing training and matching up people’s abilities with appropriate careers.

As part of the event, at Stockton’s North Shore Academy, staff also gave pupils advice on how to prepare for jobs when leaving school.

Kay Glew, Head of Housing Services for Tristar, said: “Our Pathways service is aimed at giving customers the skills and confidence to search and apply for jobs, particularly those that have not worked before or have been out of the workplace for some time.”

The event, which was supported and attended by the Job Centre, Five Lamps, Connexions and other training providers, involved interactive interview support, guidance on how to search and apply for jobs.

Sixty year old Ian Nicholson said: “The event was great and was set up well, I expected to be in and out within ten minutes and I was still there an hour and half later because there was so much on offer and everyone was genuinely interested in what help I wanted.”

For further information about accessing support to get into employment, contact Vela on 0300 111 1000 or visit www.velagroup.co.uk