A £10 million construction skills centre that will provide essential training for the next generation of construction workers has been officially opened.

Architect George Clarke, best known for his TV series ‘Amazing Spaces’, officially launched the Technology, Engineering & Construction (TEC) Centre.

The South London centre will provide the opportunity for 1,000 students to gain key skills in areas such as carpentry, plastering and bricklaying.

Furthermore, the centre, which is a branch of Carshalton College, will offer courses in motor vehicle engineering and electrical work for trainees who want to go into the engineering and automotive sectors.

CITB representatives attended the grand opening which saw groups of young people participate in hands on sessions which aimed to provide them with an idea of the crucial skills they need to learn in order to forge a career in the industry.

Also on show was a careers fair which gave employers the opportunity to meet future job candidates, as well as giving them the chance to see the new centre for themselves.

Trainees who attend the TEC Centre will benefit from workshops which provide a modern learning experience with state of the art equipment on offer.

Mr Clarke, who is also a vocational training ambassador and has also played a part in the regeneration of his hometown Sunderland, commented that the TEC Centre will give students the opportunity to become tomorrow’s tradespeople.

Meanwhile, principal of Carshalton College, Peter Mayhew-Smith believes that the centre will transform the learning environment for the students and will help them to make the most of all the opportunities that will be created in sectors such as construction.

Mr Mayhew-Smith added that students who enrol at the TEC Centre will put themselves in a good position to enter their chosen profession and make the most of the top industry standard, high tech equipment.