The Army's Royal School of Engineering (RSME) is set for a £3bn overhaul of its training and accommodation after signing a major contract.

The Ministry of Defence has signed a 30-year contract with Holdfast, a private sector consortium, led by Wolverhampton builder Carillion.

From next January, private sector trainers will teach Royal Engineers skills such as bricklaying.

The RSME has 12 sites at Medway, Kent, and two in Minley, Hampshire.

Lt Gen Nick Parker, Commander of Regional Forces said: “The RSME PPP contract combines our best military engineering training with best practise in the commercial sector.

“This will deliver improved training, for the Royal Engineers in particular, that will feed directly into front-line support.”

Holdfast will spend more than £150 million on new accommodation for soldiers over the first seven years of the contract.

The consortium will also be responsible for transport, catering, retail and leisure facilities across the RSME’s sites.