BUSINESSES can learn more about support available to them at an event in the Bradford district.

The free initiative – taking place at Keighley College on Thursday, February 28, from 7.30am to 9.30am – will give firms the chance to find out about workforce development support, training and apprenticeships available across the Bradford district.

The Invest in Bradford Enterprise Network venture is the second of its kind staged by Bradford Council and the city’s Economic Partnership.

Funded training opportunities to help businesses increase their productivity and effectiveness and allow for future growth will be outlined.

There will also be a chance for networking and for attendees to meet experts in people and skills development.

Business advisors from the council will be on hand to provide information, about areas including grant funding, and answer questions.

A welcome will be given by Nick Garthwaite, managing director of Christeyns UK Ltd.

Speakers will include Mike McColgan, managing director of Ex-Pressed Steel Panels and a representative of the Bradford and Airedale Manufacturing Alliance steering group; Mary Ridyard, from Produmax Ltd, who will talk about apprenticeships and workforce development, and Heather Whitehead and Joanne Stark from Keighley College, who will give a presentation on apprenticeships and the introduction of ‘T level’ qualifications – new technical study programmes that will sit alongside apprenticeships and A -levels.

Jas Hayre, from the skills service at West Yorkshire College Consortium, will also speak about workforce development support and part-funded training plus skills development across the Leeds City Region.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said the first event – last month – was hugely successful and he hoped the Keighley gathering would be equally popular.

He added: “The ability for businesses to be able to improve their workforce development and training and offer people apprenticeships is vitally important to our economy, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to make the most of their potential and that our businesses continue to grow.”

Councillor Imran Khan, executive member for education, employment and skills, said a skilled workforce was essential to the district’s continued economic growth.

For more details about the event, call 01274 437727 or e-mail info@investinbradford.com.

Tickets are available at eventbright.co.uk.