A taster trial for people wanting to boost screen-based media skills is in the pipeline.

Birmingham and Solihull's New Technology Institute (NTI) and UCE Birmingham's Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) will operate the first Midlands Authorised Apple Training Centre (AATC) from late January 2006.

Mark Rogers, managing director at Apple UK, said: "This initiative gives those seeking to increase their screen-based media skills a free taste of the full two to three day courses which NTI and TIC will offer."

NTI's newly opened central Birmingham HQ is equipped with the full range of the latest equipment.

The free trial courses will be run by leading trainers from Apple and associated special-ist companies from Monday January 16 to Friday January 20. Each day is supported by a leading Industry sponsor.

The website is www.tic-online.com