Training ‘hub’ planned for Scotland

The National Skills Academy (NSA) is a Government organisation that sets up employer-led centres of training excellence to deliver skills that businesses in each sector of the economy are looking for.

There are currently seven academy hubs for the "process industries", where training organisations in the industry can apply for accreditation from the NSA.

The Government has released £4.5 million in grants over the past two years to support the centres, with industries in the sector matching the funding.

We have to work out what the best way is for training providers to offer courses which fit in around the industry

Philip Jones

Chief Executive

NSA

A hub based in Scotland - planned for the Stirling area - would mean that Scottish companies could access local accredited training courses as well as offering workers the chance to have their skills recognised when moving companies.

The process industries include polymer companies and oil and gas firms that do not work offshore, making a Stirling hub convenient for both the central belt and Aberdeen's oil and gas industries.

NSA Chief Executive Philip Jones said: "The concept of skills academies was born around two years ago when employers decided they wanted more say over training in main sectors of industry. Until now, it has only existed in England. The whole emphasis of the NSA is to increase awareness about the industry and also 'upskill' the workers.

He added that suitable training courses were very important in the industry but many companies cannot send workers off on long courses due to the shifts staff work: “We have to work out what the best way is for training providers to offer courses which fit in around the industry," he said

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