PTC seeks official government recognition

The Publishing Training Centre is seeking government recognition as a National Training Organisation as part of a wider body representing the book, newspaper and periodical publishing industries.

The news came as Dag Smith, chief executive of the PTC, announced he would be leaving the at the end of January following 14 years in the post.

The move to become part of an NTO along with the centre's equivalent training bodies in the newspaper and periodical publishing industries would mean formal recognition and greater financial support from government. Mr Smith said the indications were that the submission by the three bodies looked likely to be approved by the government before the end of the year. The PTC made an unsuccessful bid to gain NTO accreditation in 1996.

Mr Smith added that fears had been raised that the book trade's influence with government could be reduced if it became part of a single NTO representing three industries. "There is a danger that there will be a loss of influence with government on the part of the publishing industry."

Despite these misgivings, Mr Smith said the move would be a positive one. Seeking NTO status was likely to give the centre access to funding for the research, development and promotion of new training products.

Mr Smith planned to pursue his own interests, possibly within the publishing world, but said he had no definite plans. It was a convenient time to hand over to a successor who would be able to take on a number of long-term projects, such as the electronic delivery of training products and the issues surrounding the subject of NTO status, he added.

"There are a number of issues that present themselves over the next few years, and I feel I've probably done my stint."