Crystal UK is targeting the shortage of suitable consultants by launching its own academy to teach industry skills.

The firm, owner of PA/secretarial and administrative recruitment consultancy Crone Corkill and financial recruiter FSS, has created the Crystal Recruitment Academy.

Thirty potential employees will progress to the first three-month academy programme, which will start in August. The programme will focus on the finance sector.

“Academic prowess is not the main criterion for success at the academy,” said FSS director Philip Ayling. “Candidates are drawn from all sectors, not just the traditional pool of graduates. Anyone showing the right attitude, particularly those with business experience, is eligible for consideration.”

After the programme, graduates will then be placed in one of Crystal’s UK businesses for on-the-job training.

Ayling added: “By founding the academy we are ensuring that from the very outset our graduating candidates are business-focused, sector-aware and ready for a totally absorbing career.”