MINISTERS announced an extra £50m today to train teachers to give lessons in bricklaying, plumbing and how to rewire a car.

The investment is part of the Government's plan to reform vocational education for 14 to 19 year-olds with a series of new diplomas covering practical courses and more traditional GCSEs.

Schools that want to teach the new diplomas will have to show they will collaborate with neighbouring schools and colleges, the Government said.

From 2008, teachers will give classes in the theory behind work- related subjects such as construction or engineering, while professional engineers and builders train teenagers in the practical skills.

Schools minister Jacqui Smith told the Association of Teachers and Lecturers' annual conference in Gateshead: "In the end it is only pupils' own hard work and the skill of teachers, lecturers and support staff that will guarantee success.

"That is why we will invest in the workforce, making sure that it has the skills, support and capacity to deliver high quality and engaging diplomas."

The £50m will go to agencies who are developing training programmes for teachers and other staff.