The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) with its partners, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) and the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), are urging employers to put forward their expressions of interest to develop a National Skills Academy for their industry before the closing date of 5 March 2007.

The National Skills Academy network aims to drive up skills levels and productivity in England by delivering the skills required by each major sector of the economy.

The government plans to have 12 National Skills Academies up and running across England by 2008. So far, the government has approved National Skills Academies for the construction, financial services, manufacturing, and food and drink manufacturing industries.

In October 2006 the second round of National Skills Academies were announced for the nuclear, process industries, creative and cultural, and hospitality sectors, which, if business plans are approved, will become operational later this year.

Employers should contact their Sector Skills Council or the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) to co-ordinate an expression of interest, after which a formal bidding process will commence.