More than four in five employers praised the training provided by the Learning and Skills Council's Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) as "excellent'" or "good", according to an independent report.

The report, Impact of the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) programme, interviewed employers involved in the scheme about the quality and value the training provided.

Three quarters of employers found that CoVEs offer good value for money, while many surveyed cited an increase in business efficiency as a result of involvement in CoVEs.

Cost, the reputation of the college and the availability of specialist staff were also cited as "important" or "very important" factors by 70% of employers.

Launched in 2001, the LSC's aim is to create 400 CoVEs by 2006. To date 290 further education establishments have received either full or interim CoVE status.

CoVEs are centres of vocational learning, which have been awarded special status by the LSC for their close links with industry and provision of high quality business-specific training.

Successful CoVEs receive funding from the LSC to go towards improving their training facilities to ensure the equipment they use is up to industry standards.