Dozens more students face the shock of being told their examination qualifications are invalid.

A further 30 awards have been overruled by one of the country's biggest examination boards. The awards go back to 1996.

The latest bombshell brings the total of invalid NVQ awards at Bradford Council's training scheme in Metrochange House to 73. A further 80 trainees have been told they will have to do extra work.

Today the Council announced it was switching from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the Royal Society of Arts.

Mick Binns said they had not received the support for which they hoped from the LCCI for the crisis hit business administration training courses.

He said staff from the centre were being trained and a complete overhaul was taking place.

The Government's Qualificat-ions and Curriculum Authority is continuing its inquiry into the centre's problems. The Council's Internal Auditors are also probing the courses.

Today angry students said they were being kept in the dark and there was still a three month backlog in assessing their work. They said jobs and promotions had depended on them getting the qualifications.

Mr Binns said today there had been problems for trainees but employers had been helpful and no one had lost a job.

"It is a matter we are discussing with the QCA. We want them to get their NVQs as soon as possible."

Chairman of the Council's regeneration committee Coun-cillor Dave Green said: "I have been facing very serious problems with the NVQs and I pledged all the trainees affected would be given every assistance they need to put things right."

Chairman of Bradford Train-ing and Enterprise Council David Wilkinson said: "The key issue is to restore the position for those people who are affected quickly and effectively."

A spokesman for LCCI could not comment on the Council's switch but added their suspension of the Council as a result of the problems still applied.

l If your qualification has been declared invalid contact Olwen Vasey at the T&A, tel (01274) 729511, ext 401.

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