About the National Skills Academy Network

National Skills Academies 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.

Crucially, skills academies are led by employers who work with government and training providers to shape the training and qualifications that will help them compete in global markets.

This is an exciting development – the first time that business leaders have taken control of the design and delivery of learning in their industry.

Skills academies are now operating in 14 key sectors of the economy, from financial services and creative & cultural to construction and manufacturing – and another two are in the business planning phase of development. Over time, the government wants to have a skills academy in every major sector of the economy.

‘In the current economic climate when businesses are struggling it is especially important for employers to invest in skills and training. The National Skills Academy network is led by employers and enables them to focus on developing the key skills needed in each industry to help drive it forward.’ Lord Young, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills