NEARLY a quarter of staff at a Tees Valley training centre could lose their jobs by Christmas.

City Centre Training (Northern) Limited (CCT), in Thornaby, Stockton, said yesterday it was streamlining its operations as a result of the loss of several contracts.

In a statement, the organisation said it had been forced to restructure, resulting in the loss of between 20 and 30 staff from its team of 125.

It confirmed yesterday that staff consultations were in progress and voluntary redundancies had been invited.

Ann Mitchell, CCT's managing director, said: "These adjustments are necessary and many training providers nationwide have had to make similar decisions." CCT is a training and development company that works with JobCentreplus, Connexions, the Learning and Skills Councils and other Government bodies.

The organisation delivers training services to about 1,000 students a year in the Tees Valley and has a portfolio of occupational training areas, including a transport and logistics centre, one of the regions largest motor vehicle apprenticeship training centres and an award-winning childcare training section.

Ms Mitchell said CCT had plans for growth next year, which include a move into bespoke training, as well as developing its health and social care and transport sectors.