THE vital importance of York College to the city's economy has been revealed in a new report.

The report from Economic Modelling Specialists Inc (EMSI) says the college's activities:

* encourage new business* assist existing business* create long-term economic growth* enhance worker skills and provide training opportunities to local business and industry.

It also says the thousands of learners who have achieved qualifications at the college go on to generate a huge amount of money in the local economy.

It is estimated that the present -day York and North Yorkshire workforce embodies approximately 58,600 qualifications gained by past and present York College learners.

These added skills promote business productivity and increase regional income. The report adds that once current learners become active in the workforce they contribute millions to the local economy by promoting business output, raising consumer spending and increase property income in the UK.

Principal Alison Birkinshaw said: "This report confirms how important York College is to both the local and regional economy and how successful the college is in addressing the needs of local and regional businesses. Learners enjoy higher earnings after receiving education from York College, thereby expanding the economic base and reducing the burden on taxpayers."

The new £60 million state-of-the-art new college opened in September last year and is a major provider of education and training in the region with 3,500 full-time students and 9,000 part-time students.

It provides education and training to 3,000 employers across the region and received above national average results for A-level results for the thirteenth consecutive year.

The Press revealed earlier this month that the college received a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors. A team of six Ofsted inspectors spent a week at the new £60 million college, in Sim Balk Lane, between January 28 and February 1. They assessed the overall effectiveness of the organisation, achievement and standards, quality of provision and leadership and management.

The inspectors described the range of qualifications on offer at the college as very good and identified tutorial provision and support for learners as very effective.

The report gave many examples of excellent practice at the college and identified the work the college does with younger students as a particular strength.

Inspectors were also impressed by the new building and the standard of facilities available to students.