Keighley College has successfully bid for more than £500,000 of government cash to fund innovative technical training.

It has gained two grants from the Skills Challenge Fund to provide courses in environmental management and electronics. The Internet will be used alongside traditional teaching methods so students can learn in their own workplace.

The college has secured the cash by working in partnership with local businesses and other colleges across Bradford district.

The college will supply environmental management training to accompany Keighley Business Forum's award-winning waste minimisation programme. It will provide NVQ training from levels two to five, the equivalent of a degree, using specially-developed 'distance learning' materials.

Andy Brown, the college's head of business and general education, says the Business Forum had faced competition from other UK organisations for the cash.

The second project is a joint venture by Keighley, Shipley and Bradford and Ilkley colleges, in conjunction with Bradford council and local companies. Research showed that development and expansion of the electronics industry in the district is being hampered by a lack of skilled workers.

The initial funding of £380,000 will be used by the three colleges to establish Centres of Excellence.

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