THE University of Kent at Medway has landed a huge training deal for the planned four-star hotel at Chatham Maritime.

The £40 million scheme's creators, Medway-based Jade Hotels, has chosen UKM to train staff for the 300-plus room hotel and conference centre.

Courses will include hospitality and service training with UKM's partner Mid Kent College and degree courses in tourism management, sport and health and fitness.

Jeff Brown, UKM director operations, said: "The training scheme confirms that the university is working with Kent businesses to generate jobs and boost opportunities for all our community.''

Jade Group marketing director Jade Holland said: "When planning permission is given we will immediately start marketing the conference centre. We will then begin training staff to run the centre. We want people properly trained in tourism, IT, accounts, business management, food preparation, booking and reception. The courses will be everything from NVQ to degree level.''

The venue, called the Chatham Maritime and Conference Centre, would create more than 300 full-time jobs and could make the area one of Britain's top conference venues.

The scheme involves a hotel with more than 300 rooms and a state-of-the-art conference complex for up to 1,000 delegates. The facilties will include video conferencing and e-mail points.