The latest “centre of excellence” in Bradford will help students prepare for a career in one of the world’s fastest growing industries.

Run as a partnership between Bradford Council, Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College and the University of Bradford, the centre of Environment Technologies aims to train pupils for a ever growing industry that includes green energy production.

The Council hopes it will lead to more school-leavers having the qualifications and experience sought by top employers – some of who will be involved with the centre of excellence.

Representatives of these companies, which include Yorkshire Water, N G Bailey, Cummings, AWM and British Gas, attended the centre’s opening yesterday at Bradford University’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths centre.

During the day pupils took part in a “supergrid” activity, a simulation of the green energy industry. Pupils generated and sold electricity using small wind turbines made of Lego.

The three-year course is expected to train 300 pupils and is part of a Council scheme to raise the employment prospects of Bradford pupils.

Susan Stuart, business engagement and partnership manager at the college, said: “We have the partners from business groups who advise us what we can add to the curriculum and what we need to teach. It is unique. The event went really well – the directors of these companies can’t wait to work with us more. It is a ‘win win’ for students and for employers. It is the first time employers have had a direct input into the curriculum.”

Councillor Ralph Berry, the executive member for children’s services, added: “Everyone involved has a collective ambition to build a highly-skilled young workforce.”

A centre of excellence for business opened in Shipley College earlier this year, while other centres due to open include an industrial centre in Keighley and one for retail, logistics and wholesale at Carlton Bolling School.