BURNLEY College is to host the national launch of a trade competition for construction trainees and apprentices.

The Themis department at the college will also host the North West heat of SkillBuild 2014 in what is a further boost to the town’s re-emergence.

In August last year the town was named as the most enterprising area in the UK in recognition of its improving economic prospects.

Now it has been to chosen to host one of 14 heats in a competition that celebrates the up and coming stars of the construction industry.

John Shaw, head of construction at Burnley College, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to host the SkillBuild 2014 launch event.

“We have competed in SkillBuild for many years and know what an inspiring event it is.

“Not only is it a fantastic opportunity for us to show off our outstanding facilities, it is also a great chance to invite employers along to view the incredible skill levels possessed by our trainees and apprentices.”

SkillBuild is an annual event that sees contestants pitted against each other in a range of construction disciplines. The competition, which is managed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is part of its ongoing work to bring new blood into the construction industry.

The event begins on April 8 and disciplines include bricklaying, plastering, cabinet making, carpentry, dry walling systems, joinery and painting and decorating.