A NEW skills academy for the power industry has been launched by Energy Minister David Kidney during a visit to Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station.

E.ON's Engineering Academy at the Notts power station will form part of the National Skills Academy for Power, which has been developed by electricity companies and their supply chain.

The scheme will help develop the skilled workforce the energy industry needs as it moves towards a low carbon future.

The National Skills Academy for Power will receive £2.9m of Government funding over the first three years of its operation – matched by funding from employers.

After three years, the Academy will be self-funding, with revenues from subscriptions and services.

Mr Kidney said: "There are going to be tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs up for grabs in the energy sector over the coming decade as billions of pounds is invested in the UK as we make the low carbon transition.

"There is great work that is already being done to train and provide the right skills for Britain's energy workers.

"E.ON's Engineering Academy will form an important part of the national skills academy for power, helping workers in the East Midlands make the most of the massive uptake in energy jobs that will be needed over the coming decade."