Polestar and News International to set up new in-plant colleges

Polestar and News International are to join forces with Leeds College of Technology (LCT) to set up several new in-plant colleges, following the success of Polestar Sheffield's project, which opened earlier this year.

Polestar is expected to build new facilities on all its sites, with Petty's centre set for January 2008.

News International meanwhile, is preparing to introduce learning centres to its Eurocentral Glasgow, Knowsley and Broxbourne sites early next year.

Courses including NVQs and City & Guilds Technical Certificates will be delivered across the plants.

LCT business manager John Procter said: "This all follows on from the success of our Polestar Sheffield project.

"At Leeds College of Technology, we believe we are responding to industry and offering delivery in a diverse way that suits the working patterns of the candidates involved."

Polestar Sheffield's in-plant college, the first of its kind, is open to learners 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is equipped with eight computers, five laptops, laser printers, an interactive whiteboard, dedicated broadband and video cameras.