ALMOST 600 steelworkers will get publicly-subsidised training under a scheme designed to save jobs and prepare the economy for the end of the recession, it was announced today.

Steel firm Corus is in line for £1.1 million from the ProAct programme which First Minister Rhodri Morgan has praised for keeping people from the dole queue.

Struggling businesses get up to £4,000 to cover training and wages for redundancy-threatened staff who can return to their jobs with new skills when orders pick up.

The Assembly Government has spent £17.3 million on helping 7,000 people at 129 companies. With 584 staff taking part, Corus Strip Products UK (CSP UK) is the biggest recipient so far.

Corus, owned by Indian firm Tata, announced plans to axe more than 2,000 posts in the UK in June following a slump in demand.

Mr Morgan said: "We've said from the beginning that during difficult economic times it's imperative for the Welsh workforce that their companies don't just survive the present recession but are also fully prepared to be competitive when the economy gets into recovery mode.

"The Assembly Government is working closely with Corus as a significant employer in Wales to ensure it has a strong future in our economy."

CSP UK managing director Uday Chaturvedi said: "The impact of the economic downturn has been very severe in our industry.

"We have been determined to retain valuable skills.

"With the assistance of the Welsh Assembly Government we are taking advantage of the opportunity to improve steel employees' working skills."