A TRAINING centre is opening later this year which aims to reinforce the region’s position as a centre of excellence for the renewables industry.

Newcastle College Group (NCG) has acquired a development site on the River Tyne for the creation of the Renewable Energies Academy, a centre for offshore wind and wind technologies that aims to enhance the chances of major job creation in the area.

The site is being developed with Shepherd Offshore Group as part of its investment to create a world-class manufacturing, training and research and development centre in the North-East.

Work is due to begin next month with courses expected to start from September.

Dame Jackie Fisher, chief executive of NCG, said: “The academy has been developed in direct response to the national skills gap and the need for higher level skills and training.

“There is a huge amount of UK expertise, a significant proportion of which is already situated in the region. Our aim is to tap into this expertise and work with employers to deliver huge benefits to the local economy through enhanced employment and training opportunities.”