THE first group of candidates at newly established Portman College is now through the first modules of their National Examining Board of Supervisory Managers (NEBS) Diploma in Management course.

Portman College is the North-East's only specialist institute dedicated to management development. The privately funded college provides professionals with a variety of opportunities to maximise career prospects by offering an extensive range of market-led management and accounting qualifications.

All qualifiations are recognised by awarding bodies including NEBS, the Association of Accounting Technicians, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

The college features flexible attendance patterns, which offer tuition on both a day release or a twice-a-week evening basis, and the dual qualifications of both the NEBS Diploma in Management and the BTEC Certificate in Management Studies are awarded on successful completion.

Course lecturer Keith Atkinson said: "Our candidates come from very different backgrounds but all wish to progress their management careers as these are powerful qualifications which will facilitate promotion."

Alison Short, one of the candidates currently enrolled on a day release basis, is a Gateshead-based manager at British Flooring.

She said: "The flexible attendance patterns fit in with my work schedule.

"The course so far has already helped me become far more effective in my job."

Portman College will hold a series of open days in the near future. For details, contact Steve Nicholson on (0191) 255 4400