The college has invested £125,000 into the facility and is the only college in the Black Country to offer this training with recognised qualifications through City & Guilds in both full-time and part-time courses.

Employers are continuing to experience significant problems recruiting skilled staff in this area.

With the introduction of the government’s new Ozone Depleting Substances (Qualification) Regulations in July 2006 a great deal of pressure has been placed on the industry and local employers to get their staff trained and qualified in this area.

Kevin Stevens, head of division at Dudley College, said: “As a construction and building services division we are committed to investing to support employers in the delivery of training that meets the needs of their business.”

Dudley North MP Ian Austin said: “Investment in new and exciting projects like this shows we’re leading the way here in Dudley.”

We need to equip local people with the skills they need to meet the challenges of the future in an economy that is changing faster than ever – that’s the only way we’ll attract the investment, businesses and jobs we need to guarantee our future prosperity.”