The training centre, which was previously located at Eton Manor in London, will offer 700 places a year in much sought after plant operator occupational areas and a range of construction operative skills.

The facilities at Beckton Park will increase capacity for training provision in construction, not only in the five Olympic host boroughs but will extend the offer of courses to residents across the whole of London and help tackle long term levels of unemployment.

The college will play a key role delivering a lasting legacy of benefits from London 2012 by supporting the regeneration of East London and delivering tailored skills training for crucial projects including Crossrail and Building Schools for the Future Programmes.

Lord Young, Minister for Employment Relations and Postal Affairs, who had the pleasure of delivering the official opening speech whilst standing on a JCB digger, said: “The relocation of the National Skills Academy for Construction Plant Training School to Beckton Park is great news.

“It will increase training provision in construction across the whole of London and help people to improve their skills and their employment prospects. Government is committed to helping people to develop the skills and capabilities to find work and build the businesses and industries that will support economic growth.”

Professor Sir Deian Hopkin, Interim Vice Chancellor at UEL said: "UEL is delighted to be working jointly with Construction Skills and its training arm, the National Construction College, Learning Skills Council, London Development Agency, Olympic Delivery Authority, and JCB to develop the new National Skills Academy for Construction Training Hub. The launch is a further sign of the great strides being made to ensure we have a well-equipped and highly skilled workforce to underpin the prosperity of the UK economy."