NORTH-west construction companies are being urged to take advantage of increased grants from the Construction Industry training Board.

The CITB has announced an extra £3.8 million on top of the £74.4 million already made available.

Grants worth £4.82 million were allocated to more than 1,200 North-west firms in 1999.

Mr Roy Cavanagh, Labour Manager at G & J Seddon in Little Hulton, said: "Receiving grants from CITB has made it possible for us to train our staff and develop our business substantially.

"The staff at the CITB area office have been invaluable in assisting us with our new entrant and training requirements."

All construction companies registered with CITB are eligible to receive grants towards the cost of their training.

Employers can receive a grant of £600 for registering a young person on a CITB-recognised apprenticeship scheme.

In some occupations training a new member of staff in a vocational qualification (NVQ or SVQ) is worth just over £6,000 per employee over three years.

This year the grants scheme also gives increased importance to management and supervisory training grants.

Up to £140 is available on completion of specific management training modules.

More information is available from the CITB on 01744 616004.