The Heathrow Construction Training Centre in west London hopes to train more than 200 young apprentices over three years in building skills.

Students will also gain hands-on experience at local development sites or at the airport.

T5 is one of Europe's largest construction projects, employing about 4,000 construction workers at its peak.

The apprenticeships will be aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds.

Andrew Dryland, chairman of the Heathrow Employment Forum, said: "One of the main challenges to the successful completion of Terminal 5 on time and to budget is ensuring a steady supply of skilled construction workers much needed in this sector."

The centre will be opened by Skills Minister Ivan Lewis on Thursday.