The kids from Fame may have all grown up now, but fresh talents have the chance to make it big through a new centre of excellence in Leicester.

Actors, dancers and sound engineers are being given the kind of specialist training Leicester College believes will offer them the best chance possible of finding a job.

The college has been named as one of the Government's handful of new National Skills Academies (NSA) for Cultural and Creative Skills.

The Government said theatres could otherwise be short of 30,000 people needed for backstage by 2017.

Rob Thompson, the college's curriculum area manager for media and performing arts, said: "The National Skills Academy will reflect the passion for performing arts and will establish itself as a major contributor to the cultural life of the city and region.

"We hear a lot about the X Factor phenomenon of becoming famous overnight – but this isn't about that. This is about long-term, sustained success."

The NSA programme was set up by the Government to encourage the education sector to work with employers to train people in technical theatre skills and about live music events.

Leicester College will be a centre for sound engineering, production technologies and technical professional training for the East Midlands.

Rebecca Wilkinson, 20, of New Parks, Leicester is studying dance at the college and said she understood the need for such a centre of excellence.

She said: "Since being here, I've improved technically and creatively.

"I've met other dancers in the industry such as the Saju Hari Akramkhan Company, who are really well known for their success in contemporary dance.

"It was brilliant to work with them."

Justin Jones, 19, who is also studying dance, said: "I've learnt all areas of dance including how to look after my health and the business side.

"I've wanted a career in the dance industry since a very young age and the NSA status is only going to benefit students, as when they go for auditions they can say they have received a certain standard of training."

Tom Carter, 18, of Lutterworth, who is studying a performing musician course, said: "Music is the only thing that interests me, and this is the best course to take. It's fantastic, I love it.

"I've been given the opportunity to attend masterclasses where I have learnt from people working in the industry, which was inspirational."

The announcement was made by apprenticeships minister Kevin Brennan.

As well as theatre and live music the scheme will also cover, craft, cultural heritage, design, literature, music, performing and visual arts.

Deane McQueen, project manager at the college, said: "This is good news for the city. We were elated when we found out. We're very proud because it puts Leicester on a national map of excellence which will unlock all sorts of opportunities."