THE group behind a training scheme for youngsters in North Yorkshire has pledged to continue its work, even if it loses support from North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC).

The authority is considering whether it should withdraw from providing apprenticeship training for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

The training services section of the county council works with people aged 16 to 24 who want to gain vocational skills and knowledge through programmes such as modern apprenticeships.

Most of the people on the training programmes have jobs in local businesses and learn through a mixture of practical experience at work and off-the-job training provided by the county council and funded by the LSC.

However, the county council claims that the total funding available from the LSC - nearly £900,000 a year at current rates - is not enough to cover their costs, and is considering withdrawing the service, with a final decision expected in the new few weeks.

The LSC's executive director, David Harbourne, said the county council was one of about 40 organisations with contracts for work- based learning in North Yorkshire.

"I am sorry that unlike other providers, the county council has found it difficult to break even or return a profit from their work with apprentices," he said.

But, he added: "If NYCC confirms the decision to withdraw from this type of work-based learning, we will work with their staff to make sure the young people concerned do not lose out.

"Fortunately, NYCC is not the only organisation able to provide support for apprentices, and we believe we will be able to transfer all learners to other providers over a timescale to be agreed with the county council. We also want to be sure that employers understand the position. They will be understandably concerned about the uncertain future of NYCC's involvement in apprenticeship training.

"We will work with NYCC to keep employers informed as decisions are taken at County Hall.