MANAGERS are being urged to climb the training ladder, as industry and businesses cry out for more qualified staff.

Candidates, who have gained Chartered Management Institute (CMI) certificates and diplomas from courses at Darlington College, have been told about the opportunities for those prepared to continue their studies.

David Allison, programme director for MBAs at the University of Teesside, told a special celebration evening at the college: "Only three per cent of managers have masters degrees appropriate to what they are doing.

"This shows the opportunities you have to grow and develop.

"Organisations are crying out for professional management and MBAs are seen as the gold standard."

Darlington College lecturer Bill Ritson Hogg said, in today's working environment, qualifications carry a lot of weight.

He said: "You now need to show on paper what you are capable of doing. You have enjoyed this year studying, but now need to look forward to where you want to be in five years' time - and what you will need to get there."

The candidates gained a total of 190 CMI qualifications in the year