AN initiative in Pendle to get university graduates into industry has been given a cash boost.

Pendle Partnership, a consortium of business people, councillors, educators and trainers, has agreed to give a £17,800 grant to support ELTEC's graduates into industry scheme.

The money will open up extra places on the programme which introduces young people with relevant degrees to local firms for 26-week subsidised work placements.

Most of the placements lead to full-time employment.

The programme is popular with firms because it gives them business benefits and allows them to "test" the enthusiasm and knowledge of potential new recruits.

ELTEC's training and education development director Andy Fawcett said: "We are delighted that our bid to the partnership's SRB fund has been successful as it creates more opportunities for Pendle employers and local graduates.

"This area has many small and medium-sized ventures, some in highly technical areas.

"It is vital that we help them to build skill levels and we can do this by subsidising and supporting graduate recruitment."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.