Training groups and organisations in Yorkshire are being urged to apply for a slice of the more than £5 million of European cash recently set aside to help the region's workers adapt to industrial change.

Ways of increasing skill levels to meet the demand of new jobs where industrial or even commercial change makes it necessary, should be formulated into projects and submitted, say officials at the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber.

The money is part of the European social contract to which the previous government refused to subscribe but now becomes available.

A spokesman for the Government Office said the cash was available through the European Social Fund's Objective 4 programme which is targeted at employees threatened with unemployment or affected by industrial change or changes in production systems.

"Many of the projects are likely to be training based," said the spokesman." Objective 4 links in with existing initiatives like University For Industry, Individual Learning Accounts and Investors In People.

"Projects should aim to increase the employability of the region's workforce by boosting skills to meet the demands of newly-created jobs, broadening key skills and providing training in basic skills."

Application packs are available from Alistair Marshall at the regional Government Office by phoning 0113 233 8367.

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