National Skills Academy for Manufacturing launches

25 January 2007: The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing was launched on 25th January by Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Alistair Darling at the Trident Technology and Business Centre in the West Midlands. The Academy aims to raise skills in the manufacturing sector and to ensure that the UK can continue competing on a global level in the face of tough overseas competition.

The new National Skills Academy for Manufacturing aims to train 40,000 students by 2012 and will deliver courses designed by employers—ensuring that the training mirrors the needs of industry.

The Academy is backed by some of the biggest names in British manufacturing, including Rolls Royce, Caterpillar, Ford, GKN, BAE Systems, Airbus UK, Corus, VT Group and Nissan.

In his speech at the launch of the academy, Alistair Darling said:

“Raising skills has to be a national mission. That is why some of the best known manufacturers in this country are on board. They know what it takes to compete and win. They know ‘good enough’ doesn’t work. That is why it is vital the training is designed by these winners for the winners of tomorrow.”

The government’s aim is to create an employer-led, world-class National Skills Academy network of 12 separate skills academies by 2008. The academies will provide vocational education and training for school leavers and adults, tailor made to meet the specific needs of industry sectors and those who work in them. The government is investing £90 million in the National Skills Academy network, with the programme being delivered by the Learning and Skills Council, employers and their Sector Skills Councils.