The Duke of Edinburgh is to make a visit to a flagship construction training centre in Norfolk to demonstrate his support for practical skills training.

Prince Philip will visit Constructionarium, at the National Construction College near King's Lynn, to see the opportunities the centre gives students to experience the practicalities of working on a construction project. The visit, which will take place in June, was requested by the prince in his role as senior fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Stef Stefanou, the chairman of Constructionarium, said: "We are delighted that Prince Philip wishes to visit the project. The prince will see Constructionarium demonstrate how the construction industry and academia are working together to address the issue of skills shortages. We welcome his interest in this important industry initiative."

Constructionarium gives engineering undergraduates practical experience of construction by working on scaled-down versions of international projects. The centre is landscaped with features including lakes and mountains to give students experience of working in difficult conditions.

The prince will see Constructionarium demonstrate how industry and academia are working together

Stef Stefanou, chairman, Constructionarium

The initiative was pioneered in 2002 by a joint venture between Imperial College London, Expedition Engineering and John Doyle Construction, and is also sponsored by Shepherd Construction and the Ove Arup Foundation. Mott MacDonald has pledged staff and assistance to the scheme, and Buro Happold and HBG have also expressed interest.

Last month the East of England Development Agency gave provisional approval for a grant of about 拢500,000 to enable Constructionarium to build permanent facilities at its site in Bircham Newton.