Local MP Hazel Blears, MP attended the opening of a scheme that aims to create more than 30 academy-related projects on-site throughout the UK by 2010.

Developed with support from ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry, together with industry employers and education and training providers, the National Skills Academy for Construction site is part of the National Skills Academy programme, a government initiative designed to drive up the standard of industry training and to improve productivity and tackle skills shortages across the UK.

The Salford site is a £136m project to redevelop Salford Royal Hospital and involves Balfour Beatty, Haden Building Management, Haden Young and Consort Healthcare.