A VEHICLE repair centre has undergone a £750,000 expansion and launched the industry's first training centre and apprenticeship scheme in the region.

David Blenkinsop, the managing director of Body Work Direct, in Crook, County Durham, has invested the money in the centre to combat a skills shortage in the vehicle repair sector.

Skilltec is a Lifelong Learning Centre, providing courses for everyone, and a City and Guilds-accredited training centre offering students NVQ qualifications at levels one and two, covering all aspects of the industry, including vehicle repair, estimating, painting and panel work.

The company moved to larger premises on the Beechburn Industrial Estate to accommodate the training centre. Staff numbers have risen from ten to 25 in the past year. Mr Blenkinsop said: "The industry suffers from a shortage of skills and we are committed to helping meet market demands by turning out highly-skilled, well-qualified people.

"We are determined to maintain the highest possible standards at Skilltec and are providing state-of-the-art facilities, highly-qualified trainers and paying apprentices double the usual rate.

"Skilltec is the only centre in the region totally dedicated to this industry and is designed for everyone, whether they are starting out on a career, want to improve their qualifications and skills or just learn to look after their own vehicle."

Business Link County Durham has worked with the company on the project and invested in the workshops.

Body Work Direct, which repairs vehicles after accidents, is also investing in a service bay and valeting area and expects to create more jobs in the next few months.