THE North-East is to become a national leader in management training thanks to a partnership between two of the region's largest training providers.

Access Training, based at the Team Valley, Gateshead, and Portman College, of Newcastle, have joined together to combat the region's management problems by offering provision of the management training with a twist.

Access Training's "Moving into Management" Advanced Modern Apprenticeship will allow candidates to be assessed in the workplace, but will also encourage students to attend free management workshops with Portman College, workshops that would normally cost thousands of pounds to attend.

Areas covered in the management workshops include improving and managing performance, planning and controlling work activities, cost and budgetary control and setting objectives.

Candidates will develop their existing skills and will also be able to absorb information from group discussions in the workshops, exchanging ideas for greater efficiency in the workplace.

Stephen Nicholson, managing director of Portman College, said: "Both Access and Portman are passionate supporters of continuing professional development and see the 'Moving into Management' Modern Apprenticeship as an opportunity to develop the future managers of the region.

"It is vital that companies train potential managers before they reach senior level in order that they receive a better return from their employee. It is particularly targeted at supervisors, team leaders and others on the first rung of the management ladder."

Malcolm Armstrong, managing director of Access Training, is confident that the new Modern Apprenticeship will achieve a higher standard of management in the North- East.

He said: "Employees respond well when they are offered the opportunity to enhance their skills, and are more motivated in a company that is committed to staff development.

"We hope that employers in the North-East will realise the potential of a new course, such as the MA in Management, and use the service we are offering, improving performance in their organisation and ultimately, management the region."

For further information about the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Management, contact Access Training on 0191-487 4454.