Stow College becomes National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5^th November 2012

Stow College becomes National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills

Stow College has achieved another first after being recognised as a National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills.

The title means the College can now play a leading role in influencing national policy affecting the creative industries.

David Hughes, Head of Music and Creative Industries at Stow College, said: “Becoming a founder college in the National Skills Academy demonstrates Stow College’s commitment to the creative industries – a vital sector in the Scottish economy. It also strengthens our links with industry and gives us a better understanding of the qualifications and skills required to ensure that our learners can contribute to this dynamic and fast paced sector.”

The Creative & Cultural status was awarded to both Stow College and City of Glasgow College at a special ceremony which took place in Edinburgh earlier this week (Thursday 1^st November). 

Dr. Robert McGrory, Principal of Stow College, commented: “This is another great achievement for Stow College and emphasises our renewed focus on enterprise and leadership. The creative sector is constantly growing and relies heavily on small businesses and new talent. Becoming a National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills enables us to further equip our students with the technical proficiency and management competency they require to become future leaders.”

The recognition enables the College to pilot new models of working, including new apprenticeships and stronger links with businesses – all focussed on placing employability at the heart of all cultural and creative projects.

Pauline Tambling, Joint CEO, Creative & Cultural Skills and Managing Director, National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural, added: “We are delighted to be part of the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural team in Scotland.  Already, we have been able to announce the recruitment of 18 new Creative Apprentices to Creative & Cultural Skills Music Industry apprenticeship framework, and look forward to helping build many more career opportunities for young people in Scotland.”

-ENDS-

For more information, contact:

Brian O’Neill, Halogen Communications, (T) 0131 202 0120 (F) 0131 225 3757 (E) brian@halogencom.com