NORTH-EAST construction companies are being encouraged to improve their environmental performance.

Learning and Skills Council County Durham has hired the North East Centre for Environmental Science and Industry, part of Durham University, and training provider The Environment Practice to run a training course on environmental management.

The NVQ level four is being used to raise environmental awareness within the construction industry.

Learning and Skills Council County Durham, which is managing the project, has been given more than £200,000 from the European Social Fund, via the Government Office for the North East, to finance the scheme.

The project is one of only two of its type in the country and 67 places have already been filled - five by women in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Tom Crompton, executive director of Learning and Skills Council County Durham, said: ""The candidates will achieve a recognised qualification that can spearhead the implementation of environmental management systems. The project has seen a positive response and is exceeding expectations."

Employees from companies of all sizes, aged 22 to 63, have been enrolled on the programme and a reserve list of firms has been drawn up to enrol further candidates if further funds become available.

Published: 15/03/2005