About Us

About

Set to open its doors in January 2009, the National Skills Academy for Materials, Production & Supply will promote access to industry-specific, quality-assured training in the process and manufacturing sector. This includes the print; building products; glass; coatings and extractive; and mineral processing industries.

The National Skills Academy is led by employers sharing a common purpose in raising the skills levels of individuals within their industries and is supported by Proskills, the Sector Skills Council.

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Our Industries

The National Skills Academy for Materials, Production & Supply will serve the needs of the following 'essential but invisible' industries.

• Building Products
• Coatings
• Extractive & Mineral Processing
• Glass
• Print

While our primary focus will be on these industries, the Skills Academy will additionally support future development for the furniture and paper industries.

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Why Now?

Feedback from employers in the sector indicates that there is a clear need for a greater focus on training, to correctly meet business and operational needs, as well as overcome a number of issues in the workplace. These range from the need to reduce skills gaps - especially in light of an increasing age profile and the impact of technology - to the need to counter competition from abroad and ensure the UK remains a dominant player in the global market.

The objective of the National Skills Academy is to effectively deliver training that has been defined and designed by its users, working with the best training providers. By doing so, the UK process and manufacturing sector will remain competitive and enable companies and individuals to fulfil their true potential.

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Our Vision

The Skills Academy has a clear vision for the future:

All employers in our sector will be investing in skills development providing employers and employees with exemplary skills to lead on the world stage.

The Skills Academy exists to "Develop extra-ordinary people for extraordinary industries". We orchestrate the development and delivery of a sustainable, employer-driven education, training and skills programme that enables our industries to compete at the next level, both now and in the future.

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What does it offer?

Once the Skills Academy is established, we plan to make a number of things available, including: Industry-specific training needs analysis tools; a training and skills 'signposting' tool; management & leadership exchange; a mentoring/coaching service; and a skills for life service.

These will all be available on-line with support available through the National Skills Academy delivery network and customer service team.  Our plans for future additional training services include: Innovative training solutions, such as CPD programmes; an accreditation scheme for in-company training; new qualifications in line with Sector Qualifications Strategy needs; and a range of 'career catalyst' opportunities.

Where possible, training will be delivered direct to the workplace so that learning will follow the learner, on-line, via mobile class rooms or through our delivery network.

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What is the role of the sponsors?

With the objective for a self-sufficient, sustainable model, National Skills Academy will be very much dependent upon investment from employers in the form of sponsorship.

There are many sponsorship models available, including direct financial contribution, the sharing of in-house training facilities, capital investment or a commitment to serve as an Ambassador for the Skills Academy.

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How does it work?

The National Skills Academy for Materials, Production & Supply will support employers and employees across the UK's footprint industries, whatever their size and location. 

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Who is it for?

The National Skills Academy for Materials, Production & Supply will support employers and employees across the UK's footprint industries, whatever their size and location. 

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Who benefits?

The National Skills Academy for Materials, Production & Supply will enable easier access to industry-specific, quality-assured training to those in the process and manufacturing sector.

The resulting benefits will be enjoyed by employees from all business types, who will have access to Skills Academy programmes throughout their career. At the same time, the success of the National Skills Academy will see UK plc itself, benefit from a much stronger and competitive position on the world stage.

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How to get involved

Whatever your interest in the Skills Academy - as an employer, a training provider, a trainee or a potential sponsor - you'll find details of how to get in touch on our Contacts page

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