The University of Manchester has announced the launch of a £1 billion Construction Academy.

13 applicants are currently studying for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) qualification.

The academy is the only initiative of its kind in higher eduction.

Steven Grant, Assistant Director of Human Resources at the university, said: "The academy model is unique in higher education capital programmes and fairly unusual in any sector."

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Mr Grant added that there is the potential for the Academy to generate up to 1,000 vacancies for unemployed people.

He said: "We know that there are thousands of unemployed people, some of whom have a background in construction, living within the travel to work area who will benefit from engaging with the Academy."

The Academy will operate via The Works, an employment and skills centre established by the University to support local people with finding jobs, developing their skills and accessing training courses.

(LM/CD)