A new £100,000 training centre will help tackle a skills shortage in the gas and heating industries.

Boiler firm Swale Heating is behind the Energy Academy, which offers courses for plumbers, installers, electricians and gas engineers.

The facility has already welcomed its first students after being opened by Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson on Friday.

Among several courses, the centre in Sittingbourne teaches trainees and experienced engineers about natural gas, oil, solid fuel, biomass, renewable energy, underfloor heating, plumbing and electrics.

Swale Heating managing director David Mathieson said: “Not only will this centre ensure we have enough skilled staff on our books, we also have a duty to provide skills and training for people right across the South East and beyond.

“The business is ever-changing, and teaching the very latest methods and techniques to tomorrow’s engineers is critical for the industry and customers alike.”

A UK Employer Skills Survey in 2015 showed there are not enough skilled professionals to meet the demand.

Over a third of vacancies for plumbers and gas engineers are now termed as ‘skill shortage vacancies’.

MP Gordon Henderson said the private sector had a crucial role in tackling the issue.

There are 2,010 people claiming jobseeker’s allowance or universal credit in the Swale borough.

He said: “While it’s important for jobs to be created, unemployed people need to be armed with the skills needed to succeed and I’m delighted this training centre has opened for the benefit of all.

“Swale Heating has shown its commitment to training the next generation of engineers, and that’s fantastic to see and will help bring unemployment rates down.”