A project which helps women without qualifications to train for jobs has won a £225,000 contract from the Learning and Skills Council.

Oxford Women's Training Scheme will use the money to run construction and IT training courses for up to 150 women, from its base at Northway, Headington.

Director Jane Butcher said: "This a great opportunity for us to build on our success in designing training for women who have not attained qual- ifications in the past, to gain new skills and access non-traditional areas of work and study."

The IT courses will focus on technical support and new media, including video skills.

James Campbell, operations director at the Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Learning and Skills Council, said: "Construction and IT are priority sectors. Being able to widen participation and upskill our workforce in these key areas is very important."

Val Johnson, neighbourhood renewal business manager at Oxford City Council, said: "This is really good news. The city council has been supporting OWTS, and we are pleased that they have been able to diversify their funding base and provide more training opportunities for women. "

Taster courses will be held to attract participants and to support a new IT centre on the Northway estate.

For details call 01865 741317 or email charries@owts.org.uk