Building is expected to begin this year in Dudley, West Midlands of the UK's first dedicated commercial training academy for hospitality and tourism skills.

Due to open in Autumn 2004 and based on a fully functional hotel and restaurant, The Hospitality And Tourism (THAT) Academy project is designed to provide a centre of excellence for the hospitality, catering, leisure and tourism industries.

An approach of customised training and development for both employers and employees is being developed, by providing flexible short programmes which will have minimal impact on the business and permit maximum support from the academy.

Facilities will include the latest in equipment and services, ethnic restaurants and theme rooms, a patisserie and bakery production and a hair salon for guests. A wine suite and micro-brewery will offer skills to those in the pub and restaurant professions.

THAT is a joint venture by Dudley College, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and the Black Country Learning and Skills Council.