A REVOLUTIONARY training project in Redditch is this week set to get £2 million Government backing.

Redditch Council has joined forces with other agencies, including Community Services Volunteers, to set up the scheme which aims to address the skills shortage in the construction industry.

The cash will come through Advantage West Midlands.

Council's cultural and development director Paul Patten said: "The council put in a bid to AWM to set up the project which will be operated by NEW College, with Community Services Volunteers and the Construction Industry Training Board."

A purpose-built training centre is being created in Lakeside and courses are set to start running from January.

Mr Patten added: "We have had more people than we could have ever hoped coming forward to enrol on the courses. An article in the Advertiser attracted more than 70 people. I now have 150 people ready to start courses in plumbing."

CSV course manager Sue Williams said: "Both JobCentre Plus and the local Learning and Skills Council are supporting this new initiative, which will enable local people to be trained locally, for local employment.

"The new centre is going to provide a facility for people aged 16-60 to join in one of our programmes. It will be designed and equipped to the highest standards and will become a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment where everyone will be encouraged to design and follow their own learning and development aims."

She added: "The range of tasters available supported by qualifications and training will include bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, painting and decorating, plumbing and electrical work. There will be a range of qualifications delivered by skilled instructors who have done the job."

Plans to extend the training programme to include the leisure, tourism and hospitality industries are also being drawn up.