SIX ex-Rover employees are looking to the future after completing an intensive training programme in medical equipment engineering with a Hartlebury company.

Following the recent closure of the Rover plant in Longbridge and faced with the daunting prospect of looking for a new job, the six men have embarked on a five-week training course with Capital Medical to retrain in maintenance and repairs of hospital medical equipment.

A combination of both theoretical and practical learning and a rigorous examination process has ensured all the men are ready to start work as medical technologists.

Capital Medical, Britain's first centre dedicated to training medical technologists, is set up as a mock hospital allowing the learners to develop an understanding of a hospital working environment. Work experience at local hospitals has meant all six of them have knowledge of their future working environments. The group also studied for the Certificate in Clinical Tech-nology at the Hartlebury Industrial Estate Learning Zone. It is an accredited qualification through the National Open College Network, covering modules in cardiovascular equipment, physiological mon-itoring and infusion equipment, theatre, surgical and anaesthetic equipment.

"The course was really intense, considering our level of expertise and educational background," said Lindsay Gittins from Worcester. "It's a great achievement for us not only to cope so well, but to pass the course successfully."

Fellow trainee Stewart Bailey, also from Worcester, added: "Taking the course has been really worthwhile - I was personally surprised how far I was able to push myself as I've been out of education for years. The transition from industry to the classroom was tough at first, but the tutors were great, and helped us all achieve great results."

Frances Roberts, skills and partnership manager at the Learning and Skills Council in Herefordshire and Worcester-shire, said: "Not only have the learners undergone extensive retraining in a short space of time, they are now equipped with valuable skills".

that will prove invaluable in the workplace. Capital Medical has employed one of the trainees following completion of the course and the remaining learners are pursuing opportunities with local hospitals."