Process Skills Academy adds composites and biotechnology

London – The National Skills Academy Process Industries (NSAPI) is to create two new hubs for biotechnology and composites. The move follows a successful bid by Cogent Sector Skills Council and NSAPI to extend the Academy’s current role in the chemical, polymer and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors.

Announcing the move, Academy CEO Phil Jones said: “The growth in both research and product development activities in biotechnology requires highly trained personnel in order to deliver solutions to the agricultural industry and the health sector, which will in turn benefit society and help drive forward the economy.

Jones went on to welcome an announcement of a proposed site for the National Composites Centre in Bristol: ”This is another key milestone in the development of a low-carbon economy and the Academy will now help to tackle key strategic challenges currently being faced by the aerospace and power generation industries through the development of the Composite hub.”

Joanna Woolf, CEO of Cogent added: “The announcement is great news for employers in some of the UK’s most innovative industries and is a testament to the value they place on the work of Cogent and the National Skills Academy Process Industries.

“We would like to thank all the industrialists, trade bodies and stakeholders who have been so supportive in helping us develop the bid to the Learning & Skills Council and extend our capacity to provide skills solutions for composites and biotechnology employers.”