THE changing face of manufacturing in the North-East demands a well-trained and flexible workforce, the chief secretary to the Treasury said yesterday.

Paul Boateng spoke as he visited the region to see how the Government's spending review is being delivered on the ground.

Mr Boateng said: "There is nothing more important to the future of the British economy in general, and the North-East, than developing the talent of all the people in the region. If we are to have sustainable economic development then the workforce, at all levels, needs to be well trained and well motivated.

"The North-East is a good example of how the economic base is changing and adapting to new demands in skills and manufacturing.

"Adult learning is a vital element of the Government's life-long learning programme."

Mr Boateng's visit started at the Birtley plant of Komatsu, where he met several people who have gone through the Modern Apprenticeships scheme run by TDR Training.

The Modern Apprenticeships have been held up by the Government as a route to gaining key vocational qualifications. The Government is committed to having 28 per cent of young people entering them before they are aged 22 by 2004. Mr Boateng also visited Gateshead College to be briefed on schemes aimed at full-time education and improvements in adult basic skills. He later made an appearance at British Bakeries' Newcastle operation, which earlier this year opened an on-site Learning Centre, which is open 24 hours a day.