Back to school initiative to help builders during the downturn

Builders will be encouraged back to school through a new initiative to boost sustainable building by linking firms with colleges.

In an effort to reduce the impact of the economic downturn, the government will pour a share of £2.5m in funding into a sustainable construction course at West Nottingham College.

The programme will encourage sustainability by developing the college's ability to provide consultancy, advice, support and awareness to firms within the construction industry.

The scheme is one of five pilots announced to help UK businesses through the downturn.

Further education minister Sion Simon said: "There is a huge appetite among further education colleges and training providers to help companies improve their business processes, develop new products or get into new markets, and it's never been more important to harness this enthusiasm.

"The pilots we have announced today will play a vital role in showing how further education can boost the performance of local firms, helping them stay competitive in tough times, while helping shape a new and exciting agenda for the entire further education sector."