A NEW training centre has been opened, aimed at equipping local workers with the skills firms need.

The Burnley Training Centre is a joint initiative.

It involves Enterprise plc and Burnley College to provide training for people from school-leavers to those approaching retirement.

County council leader John West officially opened the Daneshouse Road centre.

He said: "It is important to have training which is readily accessible and this new centre is a real community facility."

"The unique combination of having partners from both education and training adds up to one of the most exciting initiatives undertaken in Burnley for some time.

"The training will be geared towards providing people with the skills local employers need.

"And there will be a major emphasis on involving business and industry throughout the Burnley area."

Burnley College will provide XTEND programmes and Modern Apprenticeships to younger people from the centre and Enterprise plc will concentrate on older trainees.

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