The Energy Coast Construction Skills Centre at Lillyhall aims to transform West Cumbria into a nationally important hub for low carbon and renewable energy generation.

Its main task is to train the next generation of engineers and skilled workers for the proposed new nuclear power station near Sellafield and a host of wind farm projects.

If these developments materialise an extra 5,500 jobs will be created over the next 15 years.

Work is due to start on the training centre beside the local Lakes College in September.

The project is being joint funded by Nuclear Management Partners with £4m, Britain’s Energy Coast Campus with £2m and Lakes College with £1m.

Cumbria County Council has issued a tender notice following the go-ahead by Allerdale council’s development control panel.

The winning firm will have to work to low-carbon construction technologies using the likes of ground source heating.

The two-storey building  will be built over part of the existing college’s car park, with 170 spaces lost being relocated elsewhere on the Hallwood Road site.

The design comprises a simple concept of two industrial type buildings on either side of a link corridor.

Each industrial building will comprise a steel frame supported by concrete pad foundations and an in situ concrete floor with cladding to the walls and roof.

Gary McKeating, head of socio-economics for NMP, said: “As part of our commitment to the Britain’s Energy Coast strategy, Nuclear Management Partners is working to energise West Cumbria and help drive forward its transformation into an international centre of excellence supporting energy industries worldwide.”

The skills centre is due to be open before the end of 2012.

Firms have until 8 August to register an interest and can prequalify at www.thechest.nwce.gov.uk