NORTH WEST MANUFACTURERS TO BENEFIT FROM SKILLS ACADEMY APPOINTMENTS

An organisation that promotes effective skills training amongst manufacturing companies in the North West has strengthened its Regional Advisory Group (RAG) by appointing three high-profile business leaders. Through a network of regional offices, The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing (The Skills Academy) is working in partnership with employers, training providers and support organisations to deliver an independent national standard for manufacturing training content, delivery and process. The Skills Academy itself is employer led and the RAGs help the organisation to tailor its services to the needs of specific regions. Explained David Young, The Skills Academy’s North West Regional Engagement Manager: “The RAG helps to provide employer leadership as well as identifying areas where manufacturers feel there are skills gaps. “They also encourage other companies to become engaged with The Skills Academy, particularly small and medium-sized firms, whilst ensuring training provision meets both regional priorities and The Skills Academy’s national standards.” The new members of the North West RAG are: Alan Ainscough, HR Manager at Manchester-based Auto Marine Cables; Ian Gibson, Operations Director at John Huddleston Engineering in Blackpool; and Willie Mills, Principle of Preston College. They join representatives from BAE, GM/Vauxhall Motors, Jaguar, Ultraframe and several colleges and other support organisations on the 13-strong advisory group. Added Mr Young: “The RAG already benefits from the experience and expertise of a number of high calibre individuals from both manufacturing and the education sector. “These latest appointments will further strengthen the group and I’m sure that many businesses in the North West will benefit from their contribution to the work of The Skills Academy as it strives to equip manufactures with the skills they will need once economic recovery gets underway.” - E N D S - Editor’s Notes The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing (“The Skills Academy”) puts employers firmly in the driving seat to raise the standards of skills and work-based learning. Tasked by the Government to work in partnership with employers, training providers and support organisations we deliver an independent national standard for manufacturing training content, delivery and process. The Skills Academy provides a beacon of security for employers, ensuring that all training providers are approved to deliver the best content in the most powerful and cost effective way possible, so that our programme members receive the best value training to world-class standards.

Tags: