Employees working in the Pembrokeshire oil refinery industry or for their subcontractors or suppliers got some good news this week.

They will benefit from free or discounted training up until 2006, thanks to a European bid submitted by Pembrokeshire College.

"The idea for the bid came from a group of local employers who the college is in regular contact with," commented Pembrokeshire College innovation manager, Bryan Hall.

"The European Social Fund (ESF) and ELWa, who part funded the bid, recognised the importance of the oil industry to the Pembrokeshire economy.

"The oil industry in Pembrokeshire needs to stay competitive in a global market and one way it can do that is to have employees or sub contractors and suppliers' employees with world class skills.

"Training can improve the effectiveness of the local oil industry directly, but it can also have an impact indirectly.

"For example, we have been in discussion with the oil industry companies and sub contractors such as Ledwoods, and they are very keen for local companies to be able to add value.

"This may be for example, improving a company's chance of diversification and reducing overall operating costs, or to learn how to use or introduce new technology that may make a company more efficient or more environmentally friendly.

"Courses on offer are in many subjects such as engineering, electronics, management and business, and range from NVQs in the workplace to more specialised University of Glamorgan validated HNCs, HNDs and degrees at Pembrokeshire College's main campus in Haverfordwest. There is also an opportunity to develop bespoke company training if the need arises.

"This year, the college will have to take account of the shutdown at Texaco and will have special enrolment sessions for October starters to our higher education courses."

For further information about free or discounted training for employees of the oil refineries or their subcontractors or suppliers, contact Pembrokeshire College's admissions on 0800 716 236.