An academy has teamed up with a local company to create a pioneering vocational training school.

The Bulwell Academy in Nottingham and J Wright Roofing are to launch a National Roofing College after securing a #163;40,000 grant from the East Midlands Development Agency.

The company will develop a centre for excellence for roofing to work with academy pupils on vocational courses such as the BTEC in construction.

Pupils will be provided with work placements, industrial visits and careers advice.

Organisers of the project hope to establish the first diploma in roofing for the East Midlands.

Alison Bingham, director of business and enterprise at the academy, said: “This is fantastic news for the company and for the students of Bulwell Academy who will benefit from the vocational learning provided by the experts.

“The project will show other local employers the value of partnering with educators.”

Jason Wright, founder of J Wright Roofing, said. “By setting up this specialist roofing college to focus on training roofers, slaters, tillers and leadworkers, we will be able to ensure that the industry has youngsters with the relevant skills.” IB.