A regional training specialist has appointed a new business manager.

Claire Williams will help lead PHX Training to develop vocational learning in adult care, business administration, customer service, IT, retail, team leading and warehousing.

She will develop the service to SMEs and individuals in apprenticeships for those aged over 16 in

PHX Training has six centres across the North West, including in Carlisle, Barrow and Workington.

Claire said: “We want to raise the level of awareness of learning and how valuable it is to employers of all sizes as well as individuals of all ages and skill levels in the area.

"With the skills, there are many opportunities in the region for individuals to find work or find different types of employment.

“We are reminding SMEs that people of all ages can be trained or re-trained on our courses and gain valuable skills so they are of real value once they return to work.”

PHX Training delivers government-backed initiatives, adult skills, NEET – young people not in education, employment or training – employability contracts, apprenticeship training and work-based learning programmes.

A recent monitoring visit by an Ofsted inspector said it was making reasonable progress. The report said: “Apprentices benefit from high-quality well-co-ordinated on- and off-the-job training. Apprentices undertake relevant vocational training and short courses, organised by their employer, that further develop their understanding of their role."