Written by: James Burke
Sunday, January 21, 2007

According to the website of The National Skills Academy (http://www.nationalskillsacademy.co.uk/) there are currently four active academies (construction, fashion retail, manufacturing and financial services) and a further five at the business planning stage (creative and cultural, hospitality, nuclear, food and drink and chemical).

The National Skills Academy has issued a press release on the 15th January announcing the third round of academy expansion.

A new prospectus is available at http://www.nationalskillsacademy.co.uk/ and expressions of interest must be lodged by 5th March 2007.

Skills Minister, Phil Hope MP said:

"This prospectus sets out challenging criteria for National Skills Academies proposals to meet.  We have set high standards but the prize is great and this flagship programme will play a key part in creating jobs, tackling skills shortages and