Skills academy network on target, says government

07/11/07 17:54

The first anniversary of the National Skills Academies was marked yesterday with the announcement that the government is half-way towards achieving its target of 12 by next year.

The network of sector-specific employer-led training centres was developed by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) as part of the government’s efforts to plug the skills gaps highlighted by the Leitch Review.

According to the LSC, one in six UK businesses are experiencing skills shortages in their workforce, which represents 1.3 million workers.

The academies were designed to give employers an active role to play in the upskilling of their sectors, by identifying training needs, making sure solutions are relevant and setting their own standards for personal development.

Chris Banks, Chairman of the LSC, said: “This is the first time that employers have been put in the driving seat to really shape training for their industry. Through the network, government and industry are working together to improve the UK’s competitiveness and ensure the continued growth of our vital industries.”

The latest academy for the process industry joins those in the construction, financial services, food and drink manufacturing, nuclear and manufacturing sectors.

The LSC said there are around 32,000 under-skilled workers in the process industry. Figures show that one in three tec hnicians and skilled operators in the sector currently hold ‘Level 3’ roles, yet less than 20% of these are Level 3 qualified.

Skills minister David Lammy commented: “With the new National Skills Academy for the process industries now added to the growing network of Skills Academies, we are now half way towards realising our target of twelve Skills Academies nationwide.”