CHRIS Steele has been in training for almost a year... and his dedication has paid off.

For Chris has landed a job at the new B&Q Warehouse, thanks to the New Deal programme from St Helens Chamber.

Chris, from Parr who is 25, now works as a Warehouse Operative, driving forklift trucks. He undertook his training with the Environmental Task Force option as part of St Helens Chamber's Construction programme for 11 months.

Chris said: "New Deal has given me the best of both worlds. St Helens Chamber has taught me all the technical and theory behind the skills but it was when I started to work in B&Q that I felt the real benefit.

"I am enjoying my work at B&Q and it is helping me to get a good idea of the retail industry. I think I would like to carry on in this line of work and make it a long-term career. Certainly over the next two or three years I should like to gain promotion within B&Q and see how far I can get with the company".

Peter Miller, Human Resource Advisor at St Helens Warehouse stated: "At B&Q we feel very strongly about supporting employment initiatives in the communities within which we trade. B&Q are currently undergoing a massive period of growth on both a national and international level. St Helens Chamber and other local groups provide invaluable support, and help us to become an integral part of the community. We work very hard to ensure that we staff our stores with talented engaged employees who can give our customers great service. Chris has got off to a great start with us and I'm sure he will make the most of the exciting career opportunities which we can offer at B&Q".

Steve Tatham, New Deal Training Advisor at St Helens Chamber said: "It is great to see such an enthusiastic person benefiting from the New Deal initiative, which brings benefits to both the individual and the employer".