The Black Country Skills Factory has set up training courses (running in March and April) that are designed to address the area’s skills shortages and are being delivered by ‘best practice’ local providers.

The courses on offer cover Autocad, lean practice, Microsoft Excel, automotive maintenance, welding, pneumatics and hydraulics.

BCSF director Colin Parker said: “We’ve listened to the local business community and have worked hard to put together a series of courses to address the skills needs of the Black Country.

“Each course will enable the individuals to make a real difference when they go back to their work-place.

“Here at the Black Country Skills Factory, we understand that a big part of addressing the skills gap is affordability; since these courses are fully funded, the only investment that we require is time.”

For further information, see the Web site (www.blackcountryskillsfactory.co.uk/courses).