A POPULAR fast-track electrician course at Weston College is the latest victim of the Government cuts.

In 2007 campus curriculum manager, John Ponting, helped launch the level two classes allowing students to qualify in 12 weeks instead of two years.

However, the college says new Government cuts, as part of the comprehensive spending review, look set to only allow apprentices seconded from employers to sign up from March 2011.

Mr Ponting said: “The students are really dedicated and work very hard in the time they have and this course has been a great help to people in difficult economic times.”

The college is now trying to encourage prospective students to make the most of the course by running both level two and three courses starting on January 17.

A further level three course will start on March 28 but after that the qualification will no longer be available.

The course is aimed at adults aged 21-55 who want a complete change of direction, often after being made redundant, or others who want a trade to fall back on.

Weston mum-of-three, Alexia Bardi, who was a crime scene investigator supervisor for Avon and Somerset police but was made redundant, said the course has helped her change her life.

The 39-year-old said: “I signed up for the 12-week fast track course and when finished I intend to set up my own business with a focus on protecting the elderly and vulnerable.”