A new east Manchester training centre running courses in plastering, kitchen and bathroom fitting, carpentry, joinery and groundwork will be officially opened next week.

Local MPs Tony Lloyd and Gerald Kaufman will be the main speakers at the launch event, which will take place on Monday 15 September at the centre's base on Vaughan Street Industrial Estate in West Gorton.

The day will also provide an opportunity for local businesses, developers, sub-contractors and key partners to learn more about the centre and see how they can get involved in its future. There will also be the chance to meet the trainers and watch live demonstrations from the students.

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The centre offers a range of hands-on training programmes set in a realistic working environment. It aims to equip learners with all the necessary skills to secure employment in the construction industry.

The centre is a partnership between the urban regeneration company New East Manchester, The Manchester College and Manchester Solutions Ltd, and is funded by the North West Development Agency and New Deal for Communities.

Eddie Smith, Chief Executive of New East Manchester, said: "It's really great to see the centre opening, giving many people from across east Manchester the opportunity to benefit from the courses on offer and develop their careers in the construction industry. Despite the recent economic downturn we anticipate that there will still be a strong demand for particular construction skills, especially in the longer term."

(CD/JM)