Latest National Skills Academy prospectus launched
5 June 2008: Skills Secretary John Denham today urged employers to act to prevent skills shortages as he announced the fourth competitive bidding round for National Skills Academies.
Mr Denham warned of the dangers of missed opportunities for thousands of workers in key sectors of the economy where the country is facing looming skills shortages and urged employers to think strategically about how these needs can be met. Providing skilled workers for tomorrow’s industries gives people the opportunity to maximise their earnings and improve their prosperity and that of the country as a whole.
National Skills Academies form a vital building block for this new strategic approach to skills. Managed by employers, National Skills Academies deliver learning through networks of selected colleges and training providers. They give employers a unique opportunity to lead the development and delivery of bespoke training in their sector, ensuring not just current skills needs are met, but helping to ensure the workforce has the right skills in place for the jobs of the future. The fourth round will build on the success of the existing nine academies which will see over half a million learners benefit from specialised vocational training over the next 5 years.
John Denham said:
“National Skills Academies give employers the chance to shape the future skills system. Led by employers with Government support, these centres of excellence help us identify and tackle those skills shortages in sectors vital for the competitiveness of tomorrow's economy.”
“Despite the considerable progress we have made, we need to move beyond skills training for the medium term. We know there are major skills shortages in finance, construction, science, engineering, and IT. We anticipate a huge demand for skilled workers to build and deliver nuclear power stations, green power generators, Crossrail, the 2012 Olympics.”
“We know there are better jobs to come, new skills are the key to getting them, and National Skills Academies are a key part of our plans for achieving them.”
Launched in 2006, the network includes nine skills academies operating today for sectors such as construction, manufacturing and the nuclear industries. Each skills academy is unique and has developed a different model to meet industry needs. First-class training can be delivered on site, online, at dedicated skills academy sites and through existing training providers. There are no barriers to age or education to enrol on National Skills Academy courses, which are designed to help people build valuable skills that will be recognised by employers throughout their careers.
A true collaboration between Government, employers and training providers, national skills academies are transforming skills training in England—putting employers in the driving seat to develop and deliver relevant training for their sector. By having a stake in the National Skills Academy, employers help set the strategic direction, set quality standards for training and skills, get involved in the management, and ensure the training reflects the changing needs of their sector.
Skills Minister David Lammy said:
“This prospectus sets out challenging criteria for National Skills Academies proposals to meet. We have set high standards but the prize is great and this flagship programme will play a key part in supporting progression, creating jobs, tackling strategic skills shortages and driving up productivity. The commitment of so many top employers to date has been impressive; this is because the National Skills Academies provide a golden opportunity for employers and Government to work together and build a Britain of innovation, enterprise and opportunity.”
Michele Roberts, Director of Skills Development Network at the Learning and Skills Council, said:
“I am delighted we are able to further expand the National Skills Academy Network. The nine existing skills academies are already delivering real benefits to their sector through more relevant skills training and bringing the knowledge and expertise of the training provider base to deliver excellence.”
The Government aims to have 12 National Skills Academies up and running by the end of 2008. So far, the LSC has approved National Skills Academies for the Construction, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Food and Drink Manufacturing, Process Industries, Nuclear, Hospitality, Creative and Cultural, and Sport and Active Leisure industries with a further three in the business planning phase. Government has £180m in capital set out for National Skills Academies and specialist networks. The announcement of the fourth round prospectus is part of the expansion of the network which aims to open at least one National Skills Academy in each major sector of the economy. It will be set apart from previous rounds by the growing importance of innovation.
The new prospectus is now accessible online at http://www.nationalskillsacademy.co.uk and expressions of interest must be lodged by 15 July 2008.
For further information please contact Alice Perry at Hill & Knowlton on 020 7413 3761 or email alice.perry@hillandknowlton.com