Courses which are immediately available to Blackpool residents include teaching assistant skills, security, hairdressing, customer service, employability skills and supporting children with numeracy and literacy development.

Maths and English qualifications will also be available, along with – amongst other courses – logistics and digital IT skills.

Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise, said: “We are delighted to open our new Skills Hub in the heart of Blackpool after many months of planning and preparation.

“There was a real buzz of excitement as we cut the ribbon and introduced people to the amazing training available. A number of people enquired about, and signed up for, the courses there and then.

“We’ve worked closely with local employers and other stakeholders to ensure the courses we are offering are in line with the current and future requirements of the Blackpool economy.

“We are here to provide life-changing opportunities to learners and to support employers across the town. Our talented team of trainers are ready to help people make a significant difference to their lives and we cannot wait to get started.”

The vast majority of the training will be delivered face-to-face at the Church Street Skills Hub.

In conjunction with Job Centre Plus, the centre will be supporting Sector Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) for those who are unemployed, as well as adult education short courses for both employed and unemployed residents.

While it is anticipated more than 500 residents will complete courses in the next 12 months, it’s likely that figure will rise into the thousands over the coming years.

The training will be funded after Realise was awarded a contract from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for non-devolved areas of England.

For more information on the Skills Hub and the courses available, visit www.realisetraining.com