Record numbers of people in the district have started 2002 by enrolling for work-related training.

New adult learning figures show that nearly ten times as many people in Yorkshire and Humberside signed up for courses in the first two weeks of January compared to 2001.

Learndirect, the UK's largest publicly funded e-learning network, saw the take-up of vocational classes rise across the country - and shoot up by 871 per cent (from nine to 468) in the region.

The Bradford based Learning and Skills Council for West Yorkshire said the figures confirmed a longer-term trend.

Executive director Margaret Coleman said: "Over the past year there has been a marked increase in awareness, among individuals and businesses, that they need to get the right sort of skills.

"In IT and computer skills in particular there has been a real surge locally in demand, and provision, but there is still a need for 'softer' skills like high quality customer service, communication and management techniques."These figures don't come as a surprise to us, because we think the message is finally getting through to people that to get on they need to have the right skills base."

Learndirect has seen interest grow fastest in the information, communications, and technology sectors, and says fears about economic stability may explain the high take-up.

Helen Milner is director of distributed learning and operations for the network, which is part of Ufi Ltd, the Government backed flagship for lifelong learning.

She said: "Employers always look to recruit and retain the most skilled staff whatever the state of the economy.

"Developing yourself through learning is the best way not only to safeguard your job but also to open up other opportunities to advance your career ambitions."

Anyone interested in finding out about vocational courses can call learndirect's free information line on 0800 100 900.