Business Secretary Vince Cable has cut the ribbon at the opening of a new engineering training centre in Salford.
The Boilerhouse skills academy, which has been established by engineering training specialists Vital Services Group, will offer apprenticeships and courses in rail, power and technology.
The centre has opened in the multi-million pound Soapworks redevelopment in Salford Quays and will be able to accomodate 258 trainees.
Following a tour of the new facility yesterday (July 3), Mr Cable said: “The rail, power and high technology sectors are vital to achieve sustainable growth so it is important that we train young people to meet the demand for skills.
“At present there is a large skills gap and creative training methods are required.”
Lawrence Dobie, director of education and skills at Vital, added: “We are very proud Vince Cable was able to open the academy and meet some of the students beginning their careers at the new academy.
“The Boilerhouse will provide specialised training in a high quality environment and I’m confident it will attract more students to a vocational career so they can earn as they learn. As our business continues to grow, we have plans in place to replicate the success of The Boilerhouse in other centres across the country in the near future.”
