The new Academy will facilitate access to industry-specific, customised and quality assured training in the manufacturing sectors including building products, coatings, extractives & mineral processing, furniture, glass, paper and print as well as glazed ceramics.

It marks the eleventh skills Academy to be established as part of the Government's expanding National Skills Academy network.
 
Minister for Skills Lord Young said: "I am delighted to announce the approval of the National Skills Academy for Materials, Production & Supply.

"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."
 
The National Skills Academy for Materials, Production and Supply has been created to work with employers and training providers to develop and deliver sustainable, employer-led education, training and skills to address the growing skills gap, and is centred on innovative and progressive workplace delivery. 
 
The Academy will be run as a wholly owned subsidiary of Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing industries, which includes the building products industry, under the direction of a Council of Governors comprising employers and trade unions.