New National Skills Academy for Composites and Biotechnology announced

Confirmation of Government approval for the National Skills Academy Process Industries’ bid to extend its scope was received today from BIS (the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills). The unique development will see the Academy extend its remit to cover two new dynamic sectors – biotechnology and composites – making it the first National Skills Academy to receive an extension to its industry coverage.

Skills Minister John Hayes said: “Composites and biotechnology are highly competitive sectors around the world and both are poised for substantial growth. If we want to secure that growth and investment in the UK, it's vital that we can provide a highly skilled workforce. The Academy will bring government agencies, education providers and employers together, delivering world class training to keep Britain on the cutting edge of technological progress.”

Welcoming the announcement, Phil Jones, Academy CEO said: “This is a very important announcement reflecting the Government’s drive to invest in skills to allow these critical parts of the UK economy to bring in new talent, to upskill, boost productivity and compete globally. We’d like to thank all the industrialists, trade bodies and stakeholders who have been incredibly supportive in developing the business plan.”

The Academy will work with Semta (Sector Skills Council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies) on areas of common interest in the composites industry to best meet the needs of employers. This approach is designed to increase the Academy’s effectiveness and reduce the confusion for employers on areas that may ‘overlap’.

The Academy will deliver training to these sectors through a network of Academy Accredited Training Providers. Over three years this is expected to grow to around 30 of the highest quality training providers in the UK. The first of these, City and Islington College, has been confirmed as a Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology for the Academy.

You can read the full press release on the National Skills Academy website.

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