Keighley College has received a glowing report from independent inspectors.

The Training Standards Council (TSC) has awarded the college a grade two (good provision) for quality assurance and trainee support.

The award -- which is subject to formal approval -- comes less than a year after the college was highly praised by the Further Education Funding Council.

The TSC inspectorate aims to ensure that all government-funded job-related training, such as modern apprenticeships, meets the required quality and performance standards.

Its assessment included the training provided to young people both within Keighley College and by participating employers in vocational areas, such as the engineering and construction trades, hairdressing, beauty and holistic therapy, accountancy, business and IT/office skills.

College principal Doug Hardaker says he is delighted at the TSC findings.

"These results are excellent for the college and a real tribute to all the staff involved," he says.

"While it was a brilliant team effort, special mention must be made of the training unit manager Dorothy Clamp, and Andy Brown, who acted as college representative for the inspection."

Mr Hardaker's comments are echoed by Tony Wilkinson, chairman of the college board, who thanks the staff involved and congratulates them on the hard work and dedication shown.

Strengths in trainee support identified in the report included effective trainee induction, good advice for applicants on careers and training options, systematic initial assessment and good support for students with learning difficulties or weak basic skills.

Quality assurance strengths included well-documented work-based training quality assurance procedures, systematic implementation and monitoring of action plans, rigorous internal verification systems and good established feedback systems.

Some places are still available on courses at the college for young people interested in learning job-related skills while earning a wage or receiving a weekly training allowance.

For further details phone the Keighley and District Guidance Centre on 01535 618600.