Bradford's 500 engineering firms have been given a helping hand to grow.

A survey has led Bradford & District Training & Enterprise Council to give more support to engineering firms in the district.

The survey, which was carried out by the TEC, showed that 77 per cent of the district's engineering firms needed help and advice on how to find, access and fund training to give their companies a boost.

The six months research project was among 100 firms in the district and showed the need for a guide to help the engineering sector improve the training and development of its employees to boost efficiency and profitability.

The report - called Engineering, Training, Help? - has been funded by the TEC and compiled with help from training organisations which support the engineering industry.

The guide is split into sections covering engineering skills including assembly, casting, machining, fabrications, finishing, fitting, pattern-making, tool-making and welding. TEC director Michael Parkinson, said today: "The guide is a jargon-free straightforward means of finding out the best sources of help in meeting training needs."

Contact Ian Jones at the TEC on 01274 751333 for more information.

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