AN educational initiative to bring Bradford's schools, colleges and businesses together has been shortlisted for a national award.

The new Industrial Centres for Excellence provides vocational education for 14 to 19 year olds.

The first centre opened at Shipley College last year and there are now five across the district focusing on business and finance, environmental technologies, advanced manufacturing and engineering, retail and distribution and construction and the built environment.

This new approach to education has been recognised by Children and Young People Now, which has short listed the ICEs for its Partnership Working award.

The ICE programme forms part of Get Bradford Working, an employment and skills investment programme for the district, which Bradford Council has invested over £10m in.

Matt Findull, the council’s 14 to 19 Lead Officer, said: "Business engagement is at the heart of the ICE model, and we’ve worked with some great companies in the district who are very committed to helping young people develop work based skills and values. This would not have been possible without the excellent support from schools and education providers who want to embrace that ethos.”

The awards ceremony will be held on November 20.