Bradford's skills base has been given a boost thanks to two partnerships which have won more than £1 million.

A project called High Level Skills for Industry, which has Bradford College as its lead partner, has won £749,000 and West Yorkshire SATRO, which is headed by David Ross, of Bradford Education Authority, has won £350,000 from Yorkshire Forward - the Regional Development Agency.

The grants are part of a £4.5 million cash injection for the region which will assist 1,600 people and affect 8,000 people. The projects are two of 11 schemes in the Yorkshire and the Humber region being funded by Yorkshire Forward's Development Fund.

The announcement follows last year's award of more than £3.5 million on 15 skills development projects providing training for more than 1,300 people and advice for 450 firms.

The High Level Skills for Industry scheme project aims to target support for training in the engineering, electronics, multimedia, automotive and medical industries.

The West Yorkshire SATRO scheme is a regional partnership which aims to increase skills development in science, technology and maths to encourage the number of young people taking up posts in engineering.

Graham Hall, Yorkshire Forward's chairman, said: "I am delighted that we are able to make this vital investment for the future.

"The Yorkshire and Humber region needs a skilled and flexible workforce to face an uncertain future. This funding will give a much-needed boost to the economy."

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