The training school forms a key part of the new £1.4m Plymouth Marine Skills Centre, which has been developed by regional industry support group Marine South West and is being funded by a £762,000 investment from the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA).

The school will concentrate on providing training in the use of the latest fibreglass and composite laminates technology.

"I am delighted to be given this opportunity to launch this exciting marine initiative that will give marine workers in the city a real head start within this important area of technology, " said Mike Leece."

"It is vital for Plymouth and South West England's marine industry that it stays ahead of the competition and the network of three skills centres which we helped develop should ensure it has the facilities to do this, " said Sue Brownlow, head of operations in Devon for the South West RDA. "As an RDA we want to encourage the growth of businesses in the marine sector and help them to be more productive."

The Plymouth Marine Skills Centre is the latest of three centres across the region funded by the RDA, including facilities at Falmouth and Poole.

Activities at the Coypool site will complement training at the main Plymouth Marine Skills Centre at Picquet Barracks, in Devonport, which is expected to open in September 2006.

This will offer specialist training facilities for employees in the leisure marine industry to develop their existing skills and gain recognised qualifications in disciplines such as marine and electrical engineering, carpentry and welding. It will also teach them business skills such as sales, marketing and business management.