A NEW technical academy aimed at preparing students in the North-East for a career in the construction career has been officially opened.

Shadow Business Secretary John Denham performed the honours at The Technical Academy at East Durham College following a tour today of the 30,000 sq ft facility on the South West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, County Durham.

East Durham College has developed the Technical Academy to offer a realistic training environment and industry-standard facilities including vast workshop areas, state-of-the-art classrooms and an IT suite.

The academy aims to provide a centre of excellence, preparing learners for a career in trades such as gas and electrical installation and maintenance, fitted interiors (kitchens and bathrooms), plastering, wall and floor tiling and roofing.

It is developing training in renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power installation.

Mr Denham said: "The Technical Academy is a great facility and I am delighted that East Durham College is making such a commitment to equipping their learners with the skills needed to compete for the jobs of the future.

He added: "This will be particularly important for the east Durham area and the North-East to improve skills and support and grow business as the Government reduces opportunities for learners."

The Technical Academy offers a range of qualifications up to Level 3 and essential "up-skilling opportunities" for those already working in the sector as well as vocational courses for those about to leave school.

For more details please visit www.thetechnicalacademy.co.uk or call 0191-518 8222.

Mr Denham later visited Argos Inspection Company Ltd in Washington to view the new radiation-based product testing unit - the biggest in the country - and helped celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary.