The National Skills Academy network has been expanded with the announcement of three new academies, including one for the Hospitality sector. New academies have also been announced for the Sport and Active Leisure, and Creative and Cultural sectors.
Minister for Skills, David Lammy said:
'The National Skills Academy network will make a substantial contribution to the success of the UK economy. By making a long term investment in high quality training, tailored to specific sector needs, the employers involved in these partnerships will reap dividends in terms of enhanced productivity, creativity and competitiveness.'
It is estimated that 860,000 new and replacement skilled staff at every level of the hospitality industry will be needed by 2012. The National Skills Academy for Hospitality and its leading employers Barcelo Hotels, Compass Group plc, Terry Laybourne and Edge Foundation, has set out to provide the focus and profile needed for the industry to raise skills standards and therefore productivity across the board. The Skills Academy is also supported by major employers in the sector including Accor Hotels, McDonalds Restaurants, Sodexho and Whitbread.
Michele Roberts, Director of Skills Development Network at the Learning and Skills Council added:
'The network is result of teamwork between business and government to keep training provision at the core of these vital industries. We are working hard to help modernise training delivery so that it is relevant and keeps pace with employer demand. We want learners to access industry skills so they remain inspired and competitive for years to come.'
Skills Academies have been created to solve specific and potentially acute skills shortages in their respective sectors, enabling employers, government and other stakeholders to design more effective solutions to training needs. There are now nine approved National Skills Academies, representing progress towards the government's target of having a Skills Academy in each major sector by the end of 2011.
The National Skills Academy network is managed by the Learning and Skills Council working in partnership with the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, the Skills for Business Network and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
For more information on the National Skills Academy network visit www.nationalskillsacademy.co.uk.