Home secretary David Blunkett has opened a purpose built construction training centre at Lindholme Prison near Doncaster. Jointly funded by Yorkshire Forward and The Home Office, the skills centre has been developed to provide bespoke learning and skills programmes in bricklaying, painting and decorating, plastering, plumbing and joinery. Trainees will work towards the CITB and City &amp;&amp; Guilds joint awarding body Intermediary Construction Award, and will receive support and employment advice on release. <p></p><p>In the professional sphere of the housing sector, a new part-time foundation degree in housing, communities and regeneration at De Montfort University has had a successful opening. Thirty students have enrolled - the largest first year intake on a part time housing course the university has seen in the past decade.</p>