7 December 2004

Proskills Calls for Directors and Chief Executive

Agreement has now been reached by a number of industries, including print, to work together with the Sector Skills Development Agency to form a Sector Skills Council (SSC). Proskills is the working name of this initiative and they are looking to appoint non-executive directors for the main management board and its Chief Executive in January 2005. When established it will take on responsibility for the strategic direction of the sector related to skills, education and training. This includes the work currently undertaken by the Print Education and Training Forum (PETF). PETF have been working with Proskills for some time on the development of the SSC. Proskills is an employer-led limited liability company responsible for setting the strategic direction for workforce development in the sector across the UK. It will make a significant impact for employers by developing a coherent and innovative vision for future skills and representing the sector’s needs to a wide range of partners and stakeholders. The sector includes print and printed packaging, building products and refractories, extractive and mineral processing, glass and glass products and paint and coatings. Proskills will represent all groups within the sector. Candidates for these roles will be expected to be operating at senior levels within their relevant sub-sectors and have an active interest in training and development. Non-executive directors will be expected to commit up to 12 days per year. This will include attending four board meetings and associated consultations with industry groups. These positions are offered on a voluntary basis, but out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed in full. If you are interested in becoming a Proskills director, please send your CV with a statement specifying which sub-sector you have worked in and what skills or expertise you can bring to the Board to Mr. K. Riley, Chairman of Proskills, 27-31, Verulam Road, St. Albans, Herts. AL3 4DG. Closing date 20th December 2004. Proskills is also looking to appoint a Chief Executive to lead the new organisation. The full advert for this role can be seen on the PETF website www.petf.org.uk. For more information about Proskills and the vacant roles call Richard Bloxam at the Print Education and Training Forum on 0121 789 5100. Proskills is part of Skills for Business, which is the employer-led network of independent UK-wide Sector Skills Councils that gives business real influence to address skills deficiencies. www.ssda.org.uk. For further information call Richard Bloxam on 0121 789 5100.