THOSE business people in York and North Yorkshire who complain that their needs are not met by the education authorities have a chance to put that right.

An appeal has gone out to them to join the board of the new York-based Learning and Skills Council which comes into operation next April.

It will be one of 47 local arms of the National Skills Council which will take over many of the functions of the existing Training and Enterprise Councils and will be responsible for post-16 education, whether at work or in colleges.

Business in the region will be given the lion's share - 40 per cent - of voluntary, unpaid, places on the board and a chance to ensure that the millions of pounds allocated are spent wisely.

The appeal comes from the post-16 Business Champions Group which was formed to evangelise the work of the forthcoming Skills Councils to business people.

It is part of the Get On Board campaign which will see nominated "champions" touring the region in the hope of converting business leaders to the training cause.

Volunteers should phone the Learning and Skills Councils' appointments team at 0114 2594869 or click on to

http://www.getonboard.org.uk