Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced Government support for employer led projects to deliver the skills needed for economic growth. 

Following the first round of applications to the £50m Growth and Innovation Fund, innovative proposals to deliver high class training in seven leading industries have been selected for further development. 

Business planning will now get under way for a new National Skills Academy for Health, which will be led by the Skills for Health Sector Skills Council. 

Plans are also being developed for existing National Skills Academies to be expanded, with the National Skills Academy for Nuclear embracing nuclear manufacturing and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills expanding into the jewellery, design and heritage industries. 

Specific projects with joint employer and public funding are being initiated to boost specialist skills in the fitness and playwork industries. 

These projects will draw on joint funding from employers and the Government, via the Skills Funding Agency. 

Mr Cable said: “This Government wants business to lead the creation of a world class skills system. I'm pleased that employers have responded by coming forward with innovative ideas for the Growth and Innovation Fund. The fund will target public money, investing alongside business, to deliver workforce skills in new and creative ways.” 

Posted by Beth O’Shea

• Visit Employment & Training

All articles