A NORTH-EAST training company has signed a groundbreaking agreement with its opposite number in the United Arab Emirates.

Teesside International Training Consortium (TITC) is a group of six Teesside-based training companies, including Redcar and Cleveland College.

The agreement gives the Arabian company, MDI, based in Abu Dhabi, exclusive access to the 4,000 courses offered by the TITC.

The courses will then be taken to all regions in the Middle East.

The agreement means MDI will represent Teesside companies exclusively in the Middle East, and will promote the personal development and training skills on offer by the TITC.

TITC general manager Austin Orton said: "Over the last few years, TITC has developed an excellent relationship with MDI.

"We are confident that this exclusive agreement is the way forward for TITC in the Middle East, as it involves one company being dedicated to providing information about the expertise we offer."

"The international reputation of Teesside's training sector is first class. Companies around the world know how industry on Teesside has been forced to adapt to survive and that our high levels of productivity are due to comprehensive training and careful planning.

"I am sure that MDI will have no problem persuading Middle Eastern firms about the quality and range of the services we can provide."

Ramy Moussly, managing director of MDI, said: "MDI is delighted to be sole representative of the TITC consortium. MDI's network covers all areas in the Middle East where companies are receptive to the idea of buying training from the Teesside companies which have real expertise across many industrial sectors."

"The expertise of Teesside companies is acknowledged throughout the world and MDI will endeavour to extend the services of TITC members to Middle East companies in order to meet their training requirements.