AN education provider has been awarded a £68,500 contract by the Tyne and Wear Learning and Skills Council.

Dunelm Associates will offer management development programmes containing seven sessions over a 20-week period. It plans to offer ten programmes this year, with the first starting next month.

Gordon Spencer, a former welder and a lecturer in management bought the business a year ago.

The company, based in Sunderland, provides training for managers and supervisors in the charity and non-profit sectors.

Disability Gateshead and South Tyneside Training and Enterprise Network are planning to send employees on the programme.

Participants on the programme will be awarded an Institute of Leadership and Management Certificate in team leadership and supervising management.

The qualification is equivalent to GNVQ level 2 and 3. The participants will be trained in communication skills, working with people, problem solving and planning.