Thousands of students and hundreds of staff have been thrown a vital lifeline after a deal was struck to salvage two Black Country training firms.

Administrators have agreed terms for the sale of Hagley-based Advent Computer Training and Access 2 Trade Careers.

Bosses at business advisers PKF say two separate training providers, one specialising in IT courses and the other offering trade qualifications for careers such as plumbing, are involved in the buyout.

It is hoped “the majority, if not all” of the 11,000 students on the books of Advent and Access will be able to continue their courses.

The future of 250 staff employed at the firms remains unresolved subject to talks to agree formal contracts for the transfer of the businesses.

Advent and Access were placed in administration after last month announcing their courses offering plumbing, IT and electrician qualifications had been cancelled.

PKF, based in Birmingham, has set up websites and helplines for staff, students and creditors.

The sites are www.pkf. co.uk/advent and www. pkf.co.uk/access2careers.The helpline number for Advent is 0844 770 1921 and for Access 2 Trade Careers is 0844 770 1922.