They have been awarded the title by the Learning and Skills Council for showing excellence in a range of subjects.

The centres, which will also be known as pathfinder colleges, will receive about �300,000 each to develop expertise in fields including computing, construction, catering and childcare.

They will be expected to set the standard for other further education (FE) colleges.

The government announced the Centres for Vocational Excellence Scheme last November.

Click here for a list of the 16 colleges

The Learning and Skills Council wants half of all FE colleges to have at least one department with the accolade by 2004, a year ahead of the government's original plan.

Modern economy

Chief executive of the Learning and Skills Council John Harwood said: "We need colleges that are fast-moving, first to respond to change and that can give both adults and young people access to the enhanced vocational learning they need to succeed in a modern economy.

"Together these centres will underpin a modern further education sector, contributing to the nation's vocational skills and the drive to boost competitiveness."

The government is putting �100m into the scheme over the next three years.

The successful colleges will be given more resources with the aim that they become more flexible and responsive to the needs of employers.

The Adult Skills Minister, John Healey, said: "Centres of vocational excellence will play an essential economic role by giving individuals the skills they need to enable them to find work in a fast changing jobs market and providing businesses with the skilled workers they need to succeed."