Why have a National Skills Academy?

In tough economic times, it is vital that employers can call on highly skilled, motivated and ambitious people who compare with the best in the world.

Employers are looking for a simple and streamlined approach to training, which can deliver the skills they need and help them maintain productivity and improve competitiveness.

Skills academies are beginning to deliver this. We are in the process of re-designing, re-shaping and adding to existing training programmes, to suit each sector. We are also developing new qualifications, filling training gaps and trade skill shortages.

Several skills academies have already made great progress. For example:

• Up to the end of February 2009, the National Skills Academy for Financial Services has helped over 4,500 learners, 1,000 of whom are doing or have completed Apprenticeships.
• The National Skills Academy for Sport & Active Leisure was launched in November 2008, and February 2009 by over 1,000 learners had already been through the Academy.