Academy raises training standards in a bid to attract new blood
By Rachael McGahern (06-01-2009)
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Youngsters have not been taking up jobs in the chemical, pharmaceutical and polymer industries because they think they are dirty and do not offer a good career.
This has resulted in an ageing workforce which will be inadequate when the economy recovers. These two factors combined have created a skills gap which the National Skills Academy Process Industries, launched by the government early last year, aims to address with a new network of accredited training providers. The academy will assess employers’ individual needs and put them in touch with accredited training companies. In some cases it will offer funding for training each provider.
Dr Ian Mains, business development manager, National Skills Academy Process Industries, said: “The downturn means that tens of thousands of vacancies will materialise. But the real issue will come from the upturn as the average age within that industry is 55-60 years of age so it needs to bring in more young people. So by providing an accreditation programme, that increases the standard of training that will hopefully then attract young people, providing a standard which before this did not exist for that industry.”
Phil Jones, CEO, Skills Academy, said: “We face a very real skills shortage
Throughout the process industries, which if not addressed will hamper progress and result in employers not being able to compete in the global marketplace. Employers need to know that their investment in training is practical, effective and delivered to recognised standards, particularly in the current economic climate. This network is a great opportunity for providers to come forward so that together we can develop and accredit the skills development programmes that employers need.
Mains pointed out that both the National Skills Academy and the Learning and Skills Council will recognise the accreditation badge, which he described as a real feather in the providers’ cap.
Jones added: “Joining will also bring big business development opportunities for providers, including the chance to shape both the training and development framework and its capital investment. It will also let them play a big part in the development of employer-responsive products and services, to the benefits of everyone involved.”
The launch of the network will involve the skills academy team hosting road shows in the North East, North West, East, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber with the aim of explaining the benefits of its membership.
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Added Thursday, 08 January, 2009, 17:14
Ageism - Oh dear!!