A CENTRE which trains young people in technology engineering is in line for a £30,000 grant towards an expansion programme.

Derwent Training Association, based at York Road Industrial Estate, Malton, wants to expand its role in high-tech training which, said Julian Rudd, head of economy at Ryedale District Council, will create additional capacity at the training centre for apprenticeships to support local businesses and young people.

The association was set up in 1988 and is managed by local industry leaders.

“As a leading training organisation, Derwent Training Association strives to keep pace with technological advances needed by businesses,” said Mr Rudd. “It needs both capital investment in training machines and revenue investment in quality teaching staff with updated skill sets.”

The district council’s policy and resources committee is being recommended to give £30,000 from its new homes bonus funding.

Mr Rudd said: “The need for a quality local engineering training facility is expected to grow substantially in the next few years. Ryedale has a number of successful engineering companies that do experience difficulties recruiting skilled employees due to local factors, including high house prices.”

He said that many businesses choose to “grow their own” skilled workforce. Job opportunities in engineering are likely to increase due to the planned mine by York Potash in the North York Moors National Park and the offshore wind farm industry.