Large-scale training will be provided in installation of renewable and microgeneration technologies

A centre aimed at training around 1,300 people a year in green skills is to open in Wales.

The British Gas Green Skills Centre in Blaenau Gwent will teach people how to install green energy technologies such as solar panels.

It is hoped it will help the assembly government deliver energy efficiency measures to 40,000 homes.

Solar panels
Installation of solar panels will be one of the skills taught at the new centre

The centre, which is due to open later this year, has described itself as a UK first.

It will provide training in renewable technology to the company's new staff – which will include 100 long-term unemployed annually – alongside its current workforce.

Training will include looking at the installation of large volumes of microgeneration and renewable technologies.