Future stars of the stage and screen will have more opportunity to get into work after a Sussex college gained national recognition.

Sussex Downs College, which has campuses in Lewes and Eastbourne, has been named a Centre of Vocational Excellence (Cove) for the performing arts and entertainment industries.

The award means the college will be awarded £300,000 for this year, with a further £100,000 being awarded next year and in 2005.

The Cove title is awarded to educational establishments which provide specialist vocational training, preparing students for the world of work.

The scheme, run by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), aims to produce qualified workers with the skills to meet the needs of the employer.

College principal John Blake was presented with a commemorative plaque by Henry Ball, executive director of Sussex LSC, in the college's new performing arts building in Lewes last week.

The reception also welcomed the East Sussex County music service and music academy into the building, which they share with the college.

Mr Ball said: "The aim of the Cove is to develop new and enhance existing vocational training that is focused on meeting the skills needs of employers.

"This Cove will give a greater number of individuals access to the high-quality vocational training they need to succeed in today's entertainment industries."

The college has links with a variety of employers, including Glyndebourne, the Brighton Festival and the Gardner Arts Centre and Theatre Royal in Brighton.

Mr Ball said: "The entertainments industry is an important sector for the Sussex economy but for the sector to continue to grow it is essential we have people with the right technical skills and training to really benefit Sussex employers."

It is hoped Cove status will attract more students and lecturers to the college and provide a higher standard of training, to the benefit of employers.

The existing entertainment industry workforce will also be able to develop its skills base by enroling on courses.

Mr Blake said: "Recognition as a centre of excellence for vocational education and training underpins our mission as a new kind of college for the learning and skills era."

As a Cove, the college aims to increase the number of participants in performing arts training by at least 15 per cent over three years.

It will deliver training through full and part-time courses, industry-accredited short courses and a modern apprenticeship programme.

Thursday October 02, 2003