It's set to train 40,000 students a year by 2012 and will front a 'national mission' to raise UK manufacturing standards in order to compete with rival industries in China and India. It is being backed by industry heavyweights such as Rolls Royce, Corus and BAe Systems.

The manufacturing academy is part of the Government's strategy to open 12 National Skills Academies by 2008, with the aim of raising skills and standards across all industries. Academies for the financial services and construction industries are set to open soon, with the launch of a food and drink academy close to approval.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling claims the academy will be key in improving the UK's manufacturing industry:

"The new Skills Academy for Manufacturing can be the production line for the next generation of highly trained, highly motivated manufacturing workers. The country needs them."