A MARINE skills training centre has been opened at offices left empty since February.

Red7Marine, a marine construction and marine access solutions provider, was based at the site off Church Road in Wrabness since 1999.

But in February the company announced it was moving to Ipswich to a bigger space as the company had outgrown it's village home.

And it has found a new use for the former headquarters and transformed it into a tailor-made training centre for people looking to start a career in the marine industry.

Bosses say a bespoke training course has been designed to help combat a longstanding skill shortage in the marine construction industry.

Chris Allen, head of recruitment and development, said: “We are delighted with the positive feedback received from the programme so far.

"Many recruits have already successfully completed the course and have gone on to join onsite teams.

"We hope the course has provided the recruits with a starting point within the industry and are excited for them to progress throughout the marine and renewables sector.”

The two-week Marine Recruits Foundation course combines classroom and practical lessons to teach a range of basic skills before moving to on-site teams.

It is also available to all companies in the industry wanting specialist marine training and can lead to careers including bargemasters, maintenance engineers, and construction operatives.

Nick Offord, chief executive officer of Red7Marine, said: “The marine skill shortage is something the industry has faced for years and we are excited to be at the forefront of trying to change this.

"With Red7Marine’s reputation for safety and high-quality work, the course provides the perfect addition to the company as well as offering new opportunities to young people throughout the industry.”

Zoe Fairley, Tendring councillor for Wrabness, welcomed the new centre.

She said: "It's a very positive thing for a rural community.

"Wrabness is the back of beyond in Tendring and it's lovely to have a business that is looking at training for the area and for young people."