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The government today launched a national academy aimed at raising skills in the manufacturing industry.

Launched by trade and industry secretary Alistair Darling, the west midlands-based academy is backed by manufacturing giants including Rolls Royce, Caterpillar, Ford and Nissan. It will help keep the UK competitive against the "growing economic powerhouses of China and India".

In the UK, manufacturing accounts for 14 per cent of gross domestic product, with billions invested each year in research and development.

The new £14 million academy in Leamington Spa is part of a series of academies that will be focussed on a "national mission" to raise skill levels in the industry. Academies under the National Skills Academy brand will be co-ordinated by a national centre in Birmingham to ensure a high quality of training.

Existing colleges and training centres will be able to apply for recognition by the National Skills Academy.

Mr Darling said: "Raising skills has to be a national mission. That is why some of the best known manufacturers in this country are on board. They know what it takes to compete and win. They know 'good enough' doesn't work. That is why it is vital the training is designed by these winners for the winners of tomorrow.

"The new skills academy for manufacturing can be the production line for the next generation of highly trained, highly motivated manufacturing workers. The country needs them."