There should be no problem finiding a plumber, builder or electrician in years to come as south Essex is fast becoming a regional centre for vocational training.

Plans have already been approved for Prospects College to build a £20million centre for vocational studies, within the grounds of Thorpe Bay School, in Southend, and building work is set to begin in July.

Now Prospects has revealed it is building a £5million centre of vocational excellence near Festival Leisure Park, in Crompton Close, Basildon.

The first phase of the new centre will be completed by the end of March and the rest of the project is expected to be finished by August, ready to officially open this September.

This will offer 200 places to students on courses such as bricklaying, engineering, carpentry, fabrication, welding, heating ventilation, and will be one of only eight specialist centres in Britain for the training of electricians working in hazardous environments.

Neil Bates, chief executive, explained Prospects already runs an engineering training centre in Pipps Hill, Basildon, but has been forced to move to bigger premises because of the phenomenal level of demand for trade-related courses.

He said: "It's amazing how many people want to take up a trade these days.

"We usually take on 25 new apprentices in Basildon each year. This year we have had 80 and although we can just about accommodate them, there is no way our old building could cope if the same amount applied next year."

The growth in local demand reflects Government policy to channel more people away from A-levels and taking academic degrees at university, into practical training which directly qualifies students for a job.

There are currently 250,000 people on work apprenticeships across the country, but chancellor, Gordon Brown, has announced plans to double that figure within three years.

Mr Bates said: "We are trying to change the perception that vocational training is the less academic option.

"It is of equal value and also offers the chance to earn money and secure a job while you are learning.

"That route is becoming more and more attractive to young people."

Mr Bates added the majority of Basildon engineering apprentices at the moment are taking level three advanced courses, which is the equivalent of two A-levels.

"Their pass rate last year was 81 per cent. He said: "The demand for tradesmen is only going to increase around here.

"For example there will be huge demand for everyone involved in the construction industry, considering the huge amount of new homes planned under Thames Gateway and all the work for the 2012 Olympics."

The old Dines Plastics Factory, in Crompton Close, Basildon, will be renovated to accommodate the new £5m vocational training centre.

Mr Bates said: "It will be a huge building.

"These are exciting times as, together with the massive centre in Thorpe Bay School, this is really going to put South Essex on the map as the place to come for vocational training."