NEARLY £3m is to be made available to improve the skills of people in Worcestershire and Herefordshire's 'hard to reach groups.'

The money, which will be handed out by the Learning and Skills Council, is aimed at increasing the employment potential of people such as the socially-excluded, disadvantaged and the young.

More than 120 delegates from training providers, colleges, businesses and community and voluntary groups throughout the two counties have already been finding out how they can apply for some of the money. The cash is part of a £100m European Social Fund Objective three-stage plan for the West Midlands.

This second phase also seeks to encourage entrepreneurship, adaptability in the workplace and to promote equal opportunities.

Phase one, which was launched in September 2004, has already brought £7m to the county, which is being used to fund seven projects.

Sarah Tulk, the LSC's regional ESF manager, explained the significance of this latest funding.

"As we begin to close the skills gaps and increase the region's competitiveness, we aim to reach more than 11,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 18 who have no job, yet are also not involved in any form of education or training," she said.

"We exist to make England better skilled and more competitive, and we are responsible for planning and funding high-quality vocational education and training for everyone.

"We have a single goal: To improve the skills of England's young people and adults to world-class standards."

"Our vision is that by 2010, young people and adults in England will have knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and be part of a truly competitive workforce."