The first of three National Skills Academies has been launched in a bid to improve the standard of industry training, improve productivity and tackle skills shortages across England.

The first three academies that will shortly become operational are in financial services, construction, and manufacturing. A fourth, representing the food and drink sector is close to being approved.

Bids from the nuclear industry; the chemical industry; the hospitality sector; and the creative and cultural industries have been accepted by the Government and will now be invited to work up business plans ready for the next stage of the process.

The aim is to have up to 12 academies operational by 2008 and the government is investing £90m in the programme which will be delivered through the Learning and Skills Council working with employers and their Sector Skills Councils. 

Employers are at the heart of the development of the National Skills Academy programme, they will influence the curriculum to ensure it reflects their needs and set industry standards.

Currently £33bn is spent by employers on training and development, with 65% providing training for their employees, but investment is often unfocussed.