A PIONEERING service which helps adults improve their basic skills and find work is celebrating a new contract.

The West Yorkshire Information, Advice and Guidance Partnership has secured a two-year deal with the West Yorkshire Learning and Skills Council.

The partnership, run by Careers West Yorkshire, is made up of providers of information, advice and guidance on learning and work.

It is made up of voluntary and community-based organisations, universities, colleges, adult education services, career and employment services, libraries and private companies which provide training and advice.

Next month, the partnership will mark the launch of the new deal with a special meeting in Huddersfield. It will be attended by many of the people from the private and public sectors who put the service into action.

They will hear from a full-time trainer about the partnership's work and how it has transformed many lives.

Former steelworker Russell Morgan will tell how the partnership can radically improve adults' work prospects and self-esteem.

He is now regional skills co-ordinator for the Graphical Paper and Media Union in Yorkshire and Humberside. He works with many people who, like himself some years ago, have been made redundant.

"Many of the people I meet are struggling with redundancy," he said. "I am able to help them see the opportunities that are available.

"I wish this help had been available when I was facing redundancy."

Mr Morgan works closely with the TUC at regional level. He also liaises with other organisations, such as the Learning and Skills Council and the Regional Development Agency.

The West Yorkshire Information, Advice and Guidance Partnership has offices in Kirklees, Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield and Calderdale. It has 36 partners delivering services and several hundred members.