A new training centre that could see up to 100 young people a year learning in-demand skills could open in Bradford city centre in the new year.

Aspire-i, a Bradford-based social enterprise, has applied for planning permission to transform an empty warehouse on Rebecca Street into a training centre that would prepare 16 to 19-year-olds for a career in mechanics or light engineering industry, including the military.

The building was former home to housing charity CHAS which moved to Undercliffe earlier this year.

The application is part of Aspire-i’s expansion of its Aspire2work programme, which aims to teach teenagers a variety of different vocations. The new centre would be fitted out to teach light engineering and motor vehicle studies, as well as preparation for a career in the army.

As well as training up to 100 people a year the centre will create five full time and one part time job.

The group also has centres in Baptist Place and John Street, Bradford and Scott Street, Keighley. As well as offering advice and support for young people they also offer vocational courses in fields like customer service and administration.

Nick Whiteside, its head of employment and skills, said: “The courses are usually between six and nine months and there will be these skills taught alongside maths and English.

“As a group we want to teach the full range of skills that are in demand by employers. Mechanics and car repairs are one of the few areas that have boomed during the recession. Locally and nationally there are a lot of job opportunities in these areas.“ Bradford Council will make a decision on the application in the new year, and Aspire-i says it plans on having the training centre up and running as soon as possible afterwards if they get permission.

Mr Whiteside said: “This building is really made for what we want, and it is in a great location in the centre of Bradford.”

He hopes the project would be supported by Bradford Council’s regional growth fund. Aspire-i’s application says the group plan to run classes, between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Mondays to Fridays.