I AM perplexed why Mr R Bracewell (Letters, October 25) would regard the achievement of advanced level National Vocational Qualifications as of little significance.

Perhaps he is unaware that many of the largest and most dynamic local employers are choosing Level 4 and 5 NVQs as the route to business performance improvements. The courses only recruit senior managers and owners of businesses in East Lancashire.

These are graduate-level qualifications, which demand many months of hard work and which reflect and apply world class management standards.

Graduates must have excellent technical skills, but also advanced core skills in such areas as leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, communication and time and stress management at a senior management level.

As these qualifications utilise the graduates' own working environment as an integral part of the development process, the companies involved also enjoy immediate and tangible benefits. It is a practically-based programme and, as I said in my speech, not pitched out of context, in academic fashion.

The Institute of Management is the awarding body and they offer the option of caps and gowns. These qualifications from the Institute of Management are offered by a number of universities and colleges as a post graduate qualification.

Successful candidates are an integral part of university degree ceremonies. It was therefore wholly right and proper to hold a graduation ceremony as recognition of the achievement of this level of qualifications. Not only that, these individuals have also made a significant contribution to improving business competitiveness in East Lancashire. I am also happy to set Mr Bracewell straight with regard to ELTEC's role and the achievements of its staff, board and local partners.

ELTEC was recently acclaimed as the UK's most successful training and enterprise council on the basis of 19 performance indicators published by government. It has a proven track record for identifying and effectively addressing East Lancashire's most pressing business development, training and education needs.

I would be pleased to provide Mr Bracewell with many examples of businesses which are enjoying profitable growth by improved competitiveness - and jobs created and saved - thanks to the calibre and dedication of the ELTEC team.

MARK PRICE, Chief Executive, East Lancashire Training and Enterprise Council.

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