? text size -a +A

The National Skills Academy

The National Skills Academies (NSA) are employer-led centres of training excellence. The government’s mission is to create a world class workforce by delivering the skills that employers need in each sector of the economy.

Skills Academies take different shapes and forms, ranging from purpose-built training centres to online courses tailored to the needs of each sector.  They are now operating in 14 key sectors of the economy, from financial services and creative & cultural to construction and manufacturing. Over time, the government wants to have a skills academy in every major sector of the economy.

As customers of the NSA, employers see the benefits of a well-educated, highly-skilled workforce that delivers real improvements to a business’ bottom line. Protecting talent and ‘up skilling’ are key elements for firms that want to gain a competitive advantage. The NSA can ensure that the existing workforce and new talent who are currently in training will have the right skills for the future.

National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS)

After meeting with Beverley McGillycuddy (Midlands Regional Director -NSAFS), WMK has decided to focus on the financial arm of the academy which is a leading body for training and development in the financial services industry.

When looking specifically at the West Midlands the financial services industry is identified as a key growth sector employing over 67,000 people. Following the official and successful launch of the NSAFS in the area, they plan to build upon their existing activity by continuing to work closely with employers of all sizes from the financial services sector, ensuring their current and future employees have the skills they need to help their businesses develop and grow.

Work is also under way to raise awareness of career opportunities within the financial services sector in the Midlands and to develop the financial capability of young people currently within FE colleges. This will help them manage their money in a more effective way and enable them to become better informed consumers.

Currently the region has two approved training providers. The lead training provider for the West Midlands is Birmingham Metropolitan College, one of the largest further education colleges in the country, and the result of a recent merger between Sutton Coldfield College and Matthew Boulton College. The other approved training provider is Babington Business College, which specialises in apprenticeship training in the region. In 2010 they also plan on expanding their training provider network in the region.

For more information go to the NSAFS site http://www.nsafs.co.uk/