EMPLOYERS in the North-East's engineering sector can now take advantage of a centre of excellence when training staff.

South West Durham Training, at Newton Aycliffe, has been named a North-East Centre of Vocational Excellence for advanced engineering by the Learning and Skills Council.

The centre will receive extra resources of £500,000 over three years to fund capital improvements, staff development and the creation of learning packages tailor-made for employers' needs.

The grant will significantly raise and develop the level three NVQs on offer and a new foundation degree in engineering technology will be available for those already in the workplace wanting to progress.

The centre will focus on workforce development, working with small to medium enterprises. Glenn Young, development co-ordinator, said: "The Centre of Vocational Excellence will provide training and education for those in the engineering and manufacturing industry to meet the needs of employers.

"The skills gap is particularly wide at NVQ level three and we have put plans in place to tackle this and close the divide.

"The Centre of Vocational Excellence award means we can ensure learning opportunities for both young people and those retraining to meet new demand, and we will help students achieve respected NVQs that provide a mix of academic and practical study, preparing them for a career in engineering."

Nick James, director of strategy and communications at the Learning and Skills Council, in County Durham, said: "This sends out a strong message to engineering businesses in the region that education is adapting to the needs of their specific sector."

It is a positive move for part of the North-East devastated by job losses in recent years.

Jim Lewis, One NorthEast head of external relations, universities, colleges and learning and skills, said: "This award will be very important in helping North-East engineering companies retain their competitive edge and prove a catalyst for further financial injections into the training facility."

John Irwin, president of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: "Central government is realising that the area has a real problem and they are doing something about it.

"They are giving money to a trust that is competent and an organisation that is looking to the future."