Engineering training company SW Durham Training is breaking new ground as one of five new centres for vocational excellence.

The organisation is one of the first non-college based training providers in the country to be chosen as a career "pathfinder" for modern apprentices and learners.

It is one of only five centres in the UK to be chosen by the Government for the new project.

As a result the company will receive a £600,000 investment from the Department of Education and Skills and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

As the only "pathfinder" Centre of Vocational Excellence for advanced engineering in the UK, it will focus on producing qualified and skilled workers to meet the needs of prospective employers.

A household name on the Aycliffe Industrial Park, SW Durham Training has a 35 year history of training provision for engineering companies across the region.

The £57m Centre of Vocational Excellence programme was opened up last year to training providers from beyond the further education sector, provided that they met the same selection process and criteria as colleges.

S W Durham Training proved its worth with its strong business relationships, outstanding facilities, experienced staff and the ability to provide a wide range of high quality vocational training. Outstanding grades awarded during a rigorous government inspection earlier this year have further enhanced the company's standing. S W Durham Training Ltd general manager Angus Crowther said: "We've been recognised and earmarked as the company to take forward the very best in engineering modern apprenticeships and work based learning - not just in the North-East but for the whole country. "Our strength has always been to maintain dialogue with local employers to ensure we provide training for their apprentices which matches their ongoing needs and encompasses the full range of engineering skills. South West Durham Training is an accredited centre for the engineering and marine training authority in the region and currently works with over 160 companies such as Filtronic Compound Semiconductors Ltd, TKA Tallent Chassis Ltd, Black & Decker and Northumbrian Water.