More apprentice funding

From the total, £2.4 million funding for the Engineering Apprenticeship Programme is specifically aimed at those who are already on training courses and who are at risk of redundancy or where they might be unable to complete their course due to the economic downturn. Around 150 apprentices in the Tees Valley will receive help over the next two years – including 65 Corus apprentices – to allow them to continue their engineering training. One North East has also agreed an additional £1.4 million package of support available to people looking to start up a company and provide additional help to existing businesses looking to expand or diversify. The package, which will raise the threshold of support available to business start ups from 70% to 90%, will be administered through the North East of England Investment Centre and will be available through Business Link. The apprenticeship programme investment and support for businesses is part of the wider two-year £60 million Tees Valley Industrial Programme helping firms in the area make the transition into low carbon and advanced manufacturing.