£10m Wednesfield training centre will create 125 jobs

The facility will be based in the former Makro wholesale suppliers in Wednesfield, which closed in 2009, and is expected to open in April, eventually creating in the region of 125 jobs.

It will include a fork-lift truck driving training centre as well as 17 classrooms and an on-site cafe and restaurant.

Scotland-based Glasgow Training Group is developing the centre, which will also see the recruitment of a number of trainers, assessors and administration staff before opening.

David Scott, chief executive of GTG, said, "We are very excited with this new development in the West Midlands.

"Working with Wolverhampton City Council and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce to bring this deal together, it is clear to us that we are moving into a region with an appetite for success.

"When we were shown the range of businesses that have also chosen the Wolverhampton area as their operational base, and the first class skill mix within the area it was an easy investment choice to make."

Mr Scott said the new training centre, in Bearing Drive, off Steelpark Way, would be split into two sections. One will cater for automotive and transport sector training, while the other will offer courses in business skills, computers and IT, and health and safety. There will also be a conference facility for up to 250 people.

By the end of the year, 50 people will have been employed at the centre in job areas including account management, telesales, qualification assessors, business skills trainers, receptionists, caretakers and recruitment specialists. In total, it is hoped that up to 125 will be employed when the centre is up to full capacity.

Councillor Peter Bilson said the move was a positive step for the city. He added: "This is good news. All training that enables young people to get the right skills has got to be good news for the city."