THE drive to improve the skills of people living and working in Chester-le-Street is making significant progress, according to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North-East.
Progress is being made to develop the work skills of young people and adults and to invest in the region's centres of learning.
The achievements are highlighted in the LSC North East's first performance report, Delivering Learning and Skills in the North-East, which relates to 2005-6.
In Chester-le-Street last year, 61 per cent of apprentices aged 16 to 18 completed their qualification, compared with 50 per cent in 2004-5.
The number of young learners gaining a Skills for Life qualification in English, maths and communication increased by 39 per cent in Chester-le-Street, with increases also being recorded in further education successes among students aged 16 and over.
Regional LSC director Chris Roberts said: "There were very rewarding increases in the number of learners who gained qualifications in Chester-le-Street last year.
"Many more people are now gaining real benefits from their education and this is testament to their hard work."
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