COMPANIES that employ engineers can get grants of up to 45 per cent off the cost of training. EMTA, the national training organisation for engineering manufacture, has secured European Social Fund cash to help engineering firms improve employees' skills.

To qualify, the company must have fewer than 250 staff; be not more than 25 per cent owned by a larger company; and be based in an eligible area, in which staff to be trained must also live. For more information, contact Andrew Osborne, economic development officer at Maidstone Borough Council, on 01622 602226.