SEMTA, the sector skills council for the science, engineering and manufacturing industries, has been selected as on of the first national skills academies.

SEMTA will focus on training and developing young people, but also adults, to help in creating jobs, tackling skills shortages and driving up productivity.

The manufacturing academy, to open by September 2006, will focus on training in engineering and manufacturing skills, leadership and management.

The Automotive Academy welcomed SEMTA’s selection. The two companies will be working closely together on courses and training programmes.

Automotive Academy chief executive, Dr Alan Begg, said: “Our courses and programmes are already aligned with the sector skills agreement run by SEMTA so our work compliments the future manufacturing academy.”