NEW work-based qualifications, launched today, could hold the key to tackling the region's growing skills crisis.

Skills shortages in key sectors such as information and communications technology are threatening the future growth of businesses in the region.

The new qualifications, known as foundations degrees, will combine academic learning with practical skills, equipping students with technical skills, academic knowledge and the transferable skills that employers demand.

They will include courses in subjects like computing, information systems and e-business.

Launching the qualifications, Professor Ivor Crewe, chairman of the Foundation Degree Group, said: "Many parts of the country are suffering from severe skills shortages and the North-East is no exception.

"Recent growth in the chemicals sector, for instance, has resulted in significant skills shortages becoming apparent within the industry."

Minister for Lifelong Learning and Higher Education, Margaret Hodge, said: "We need to end Britain's chronic skills shortage. Many top companies are crying out for people with the right skills and foundation degrees are a great way to get them.

"Graduates who get these degrees will have what today's employees want - a thorough academic grounding, coupled with practical job skills.

"And, because these courses are vocational, they will attract many students who hadn't previously considered higher education."

Students will be able to study through a range of methods, including distance learning and work-based training, either full or part-time.

Some of the courses on offer in the region include chemical technology and public services management, at Teesside University, e-business, at the University of Sunderland, and software engineering, at the University of Newcastle.

For full details of the courses available locally from September, log on to www.foundationdegree.org or call 0800 100 900