Thatcham’s Apprentice Training Centre, launched last month to provide training for the body repair sector, has been awarded Centre of Vocational Excellence status by the Learning and Skills Council.

The award includes a £200,000 capital grant from the LSC which the institution can invest in additional equipment. The apprentice centre was assessed on a number of criteria and quality processes. CoVE status marks its competence at delivering skills training equivalent to NVQ Level 3.

“We’re very proud about this achievement so soon after opening,” says Peter Roberts, Thatcham chief executive.