MORE than £1m is to be made available as a college teams up with a school to train workers of the future.

Northallerton College and the Allertonshire School have been awarded specialist technical status for the third time and secured a second accolade as a vocational learning centre.

The awards, which carry substantial funding for the next four years, reflect student performances and the dedication of pupils, staff and governors.

New course opportunities will be developed around maths, science and technology, responding to calls from businesses for multi-skilled employees.

There will also be the development of new courses in engineering, health and social care, hospitality and catering, leisure and tourism, and expanded technology studies for post-16 students.

It is hoped the awards will strengthen links between the college and Allertonshire School and help forge relationships with local employers.

Northallerton College assistant principal Alastair Martin said: "We have data from local employers that shows where the gaps are in the local labour force, so we can now address this issue."

Principal Mick Hill said: "It is tremendous to provide even more opportunities for our students at a time when the national agenda is so concerned about work-related learning."

The first specialist technology college status was awarded in Northallerton in 1998. It was then renewed by the Government in 2001.