Inmates have praised the construction training programme

The Home Secretary said the centre at Lindholme Prison, Doncaster, would cut reoffending rates.

The �2.5m initiative includes five workshops where inmates can achieve recognised qualifications in a trade.

Mr Blunkett said the scheme would help prisoners stay on the "straight and narrow" when released.

Full-scale construction

Mr Blunkett said: "The scheme is giving prisoners a future and hope. If we can stop them reoffending, it will benefit the whole community."

After learning skills for the construction industry, inmates then graduate to a full-scale construction site where they can put their skills into practice by building a two-bedroomed bungalow.

When you get out of prison, the only jobs you can really do are labouring jobs, but if I make it as a plumber, I should be all right. Jimmy, Lindholme Prison inmate

Mr Blunkett said he was confident employers would want to take on criminals.

"We know employers in these industries are suffering from skills shortages and are eager to take on people with these kinds of skills," he said.

Jimmy, a prisoner who described himself as a violent offender, said the centre, funded by development agency Yorkshire Forward and the Home Office, would help him stay out of trouble when he is released in two years time.

He said: "It is very educational and I am really enjoying it. When you get out of prison, the only jobs you can really do are labouring jobs, but if I make it as a plumber, I should be all right."

It is the second initiative at Lindholme Prison such as a bakery, which opened in March, has already proved a success in helping inmates finding work.