Roads Minister John Hayes has unveiled a new roads apprenticeship academy in Cambridgeshire.

The Highways Academy in Huntingdon will train 129 new apprentices and graduates to carry out work on the £1.5 billion A14 bypass project.

The facility will be run by the West Anglia Training Association (WATA) and has been developed in close collaboration with a number of partners including Highways England's A14 team and Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership.

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The development is part of the Government's plan to support the increased investment in road infrastructure and talent.

Roads Minister John Hayes said: "The A14 bypass is a massive road upgrade, a vital road for Cambridgeshire, and will drastically improve journeys, making them quicker, safer and more reliable for motorists.

"We are spending a record £15 billion on improving our roads and it is only right this not only benefits motorists, but also provides people with jobs and skills they need for the future. These apprentices are helping build the largest road upgrade in Britain, they can be justly proud."

Gerard Smith, legacy manager for the A14 project, added: "The Highways Academy will be crucial to provide young people the skills they need to work on roads projects and maintenance, including the A14. We are delighted this hard work is coming to fruition and look forward to welcoming apprentices from the WATA Highways Academy into our teams soon."

(LM/MH)