The Evolve Project was created by the Polestar Group and developed by Leeds College. The funding was secured by Unite after a successful bid to Advantage West Midlands.

The official launch took place at the gravure magazine printer's site in Pershore, Worcestershire, and was attended by Labour MP Sian Simon, as well as Unite sector skills council co-ordinator and Proskills board member, Bernard Rutter.

Unite national officer Vernon Robson also attended the event and highlighted the importance of raising awareness to what can be achieved through such projects.

He said: "The opening of the centre and the signing of the learning agreement will allow Unite members and employees, with the support of our Union learner reps, to help members along their learning and skills pathway.

"This is vitally important given that we believe there will be a skills shortage when the country comes out of recession."