The PGC NTO has discussed the possibility of interim funding with the Department for Education and Skills, the DTI and the Sector Skills Development Agency.

PGC NTO chief executive Richard Beamish said: Its unlikely that the SSC will be set up by September and all the NTOs work in schools would stop then, which is a big worry. If the funding were made available we could continue this.

He said the size of the print industry was still a sticking point and that the DTI was encouraging it to make further alliances with affiliated media sectors.

They want us to work with others sectors in the media, but we wont be forced into a shotgun marriage. We will talk to other sectors but were ready to roll, said Beamish.

By John Davies