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The vocational prospects of young people living in Norfolk and Suffolk have been given a boost thanks to the launch of the new North Suffolk Skills Academy (NSSA) in Halesworth.

Formerly the North Suffolk Skills Centre, the Academy will offer the highest standard of vocational training and has cemented new partnerships with leading organisations in the fields of Catering, Engineering, Construction, Motor Vehicle and Hairdressing.

The NSSA’s offering is primarily aimed at 14-19 year olds and will give students a chance to get ‘hands on’ experience from professionals who are at the forefront of commercial activity today.

Suffolk’s own TA Hotel Collection, BAE Systems and The Light Aircraft Company are just three of the new partners working with the NSSA to deliver unrivalled training opportunities for young people.

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Mark Attenburrow, CEO of the NSSA comments: “We’re focused on equipping students with the qualifications and practical skills needed to give the next generation the best chances of employment. It’s about making students both qualified and employable, so we’ve aligned ourselves with the best providers in the area with the goal of improving young people’s links with industry. Our aim is to provide; opportunities, aspiration and excellence for all.”

An official launch event was held on 14th October 2013 where partners, dignitaries and local businesses gathered to celebrate the opening by Martin Blaze, Director of Aircraft Maintenance and Support for BAE Systems at RAF Marham. Students from the new catering course, supported by catering partner Bespoke, provided the canapés.

The NSSA is a charitable subsidiary company to Bungay High School with its own board of directors and is capable of training around 400 people a year.

Sean O’Neill, Headteacher at Bungay High School comments: “As an employer, it’s important to know that staff have the skills as well as the technical ability to do the job. Incorporating employability into the qualifications is key to making sure that students succeed when they go into the workplace.”

Zoe Sprake, Governor of Bungay High adds: “Through the NSSA, schools, community groups and local residents will get access to a dedicated facility providing training that will benefit their long-term work opportunities. This is being launched at a time when the demand for high-quality vocational education and training is high on the agenda for improving the employment opportunities of young people.”

The NSSA is located at Harrisons Lane, Halesworth, IP19 8PY and presently serves students from Alde Valley School, Archbishop Sandcroft CofE High School, Bungay High School, Pakefield High School, Sir John Leman High School, Stradbroke High School and the Warren School.

To find out more about the NSSA visit www.nssa.co or call 01986 834160.

 

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