A MAJOR new vocational training initiative for the Midlands kicked off in Redditch on Friday with the launch of "Skills4Work: Experience Construction".

The scheme has been developed by Redditch Council and funded by Advantage West Midlands (AWM), to the tune of £1 million.

It offers vocational training, including vital literacy and numeracy skills for school leavers, young people and adults with a focus on construction trades.

Redditch MP and Minister for Industry in the Regions, Jacqui Smith, launched the scheme at The Brook Building, Arrow Road North in Lakeside, where key organisations like CSV, NEW College and the Learning & Skills Council (LSC) also gathered to celebrate the initiative.

Redditch Council Leader David Cartwright said: "We're delighted that so many people have turned out to witness the start of such an exciting project.

"The council is extremely proud of the relationships it's built to get this programme under way and we are confident this initiative will become a vital platform for developments - including the £40 million landmark Abbey Stadium redevelopment project in Redditch.

"We also thank our partners for helping to make this happen."

John Edwards, chief executive of AWM, said: "A project which has such an importance to Redditch and the region as a whole is an important part of our strategy to develop local-based employment and provide a labour supply for new developments within the Midlands."

The launch included a number of presentations and displays from the partners involved in the scheme and included an insight into training from students as they explained the merits of having access to such training.