A COLLEGE has been designated a centre of excellence in recognition of its quality of catering skills training.

The School of Catering and Hospitality at Middlesbrough College has been awarded Centre of Vocational Excellence status by the Learning and Skills Council.

The title means the school will be eligible for an extra £500,000 in grant over three years to fund capital improvements, staff development and the development of new learning packages to meet employers' needs.

A multi-media lecture theatre is planned for demonstration purposes to specialise in the provision of vocational training for hospitality industries on Teesside.

Work developing the department's Coliseum Restaurant is planned, along with the refurbishment of the training kitchen and bistro.

An IT booking system used in hotels and hospitality centres is being installed, as well as a new computer system to provide support for long-distance learners.

Chris Mann, head of the Faculty of Service Industries, said: "Catering and hospitality will provide training, including the development of organisational skills and bespoke training plans for individual employees, to benefit employers.''

He said college research had revealed problems in the catering industry in finding qualified chefs, waiters and bar staff.

"We will create more qualified staff who have been trained to excellent standards to suit employer needs," he said.

Nick James, director of strategy and communication at the Learning and Skills Council, said: "Establishing a Centre of Vocational Excellence within the School of Catering and Hospitality sends out a strong message to hospitality and culinary businesses in the region that education is adapting to the needs of their specific sector.

"Centres of Vocational Excellence are an important and vital development for further education in the North-East and will provide respected qualifications and a highly skilled workforce."