AN ORGANISATION created to support and promote growth in the Yorkshire's electronics industry has launched its new state-of-the-art mobile training unit, with the help of BBC Look North's Harry Gration.

Not-for-profit Electronics Yorkshire's revolutionary Vipex Vector demonstration vehicle will be used to provide industry-specific training at the premises of electronics companies in the York area and across the region.

The idea is to make it easier and more convenient for companies to access training on their own doorstep.

The groundbreaking initiative has been supported by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the York and North Yorkshire Learning and Skills Council.

The vehicle, which has taken more than three months to build, has been carefully planned and designed to the very highest specification and includes the latest in electronics training equipment. It can cater for workshop groups of up to ten people and seminars of up to 20.

Local companies will have access to the majority of Electronics Yorkshire's training courses, including the joint TWI "Environmental Awareness for Electronics" programme of lead-free workshops and hands-on soldering training.

Electronics Yorkshire also plans to use the vehicle to stimulate interest in electronics from an early age.

A new Educational Outreach programme will involve visiting schools and colleges, promoting awareness in electronics and helping to ensure the future for the industry within the region.

Peter Burnley, Training and Technology Centre Manager at Electronics Yorkshire said: "We realise that it is not always easy or practical to send employees on training courses to either our Leeds or Sheffield centres, so the new mobile training unit provides us with a simple solution, by taking training direct to them.

"We also believe it is vital to develop an awareness in engineering at an early age and look forward to introducing young people to the exciting world of electronics."

Electronics companies and educational establishments who would want to book the vehicle should phone Bronwen Ella on 0113 2744270.

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, June 21, 2005