A COLLEGE has been awarded excellence status for its work in training apprentices for the motor industry.

New College Durham, which already holds Centre of Vocational Excellence for its travel and tourism course, has received a similar award for multi-skilled systems maintenance engineering courses, which work with the motoring industry.

The award, announced by the Learning and Skills Council County Durham, covers disciplines in the electrical and manufacturing industries.

The college has been collaborating with motor company Nissan and Sunderland group Assa, which provides training for the automotive industry.