SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the active leisure and learning sector, has submitted a formal expression of interest to the government to lead a National Skills Academy (NSA).

There will be a total of eight new NSAs created in this round of government licensing.

SkillsActive consulted with employers and training providers across the active leisure sector before making its submission, which will be in competition with around 17 other SSCs from a variety of other sectors.

SkillsActive believes an NSA for the active leisure sector could act as a ‘one stop shop’ for information on core skills, recruitment issues, career pathways and workforce development opportunities.

An NSA would also mean that training provision was directly linked to the needs of employers across the active leisure sector and ensure employers have access to a more cost-effective range of training.

Chief executive of SkillsActive, Stephen Studd, said: “The active leisure and learning sector is facing a skills revolution. Not only is there a greater emphasis on the training development of staff, but the way in which training is delivered is undergoing a massive change.

“National Skills Academies are the single most important vocational training reform today.”

SkillsActive representatives will now await a final decision from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Learning Skills Council (LSC) on its submission.

The result of the SSC tenders to lead the next NSA and what sector it will represent, is expected to be announced in October at the Labour Party Conference.

If SkillsActive is successful in winning the licence to lead an active leisure NSA, it is projected that the academy could be ready to launch by September 2007.

In the past two years, five NSAs have been recognised and licensed by the DfES – covering the construction, fashion retail, financial services, food and drink and manufacturing industries. Details: www.skillsactive.com