Asset Skillswww.jigsaw-training.co.uk

Asset Skills Virtual Academy

A new project is set to alter the training landscape in facilities management by bringing employers together to collaborate on raising the skills of the workforce. The Virtual Academy in Business Services is a pilot programme being launched by the Sector Skills Council for FM, Asset Skills.  Jigsaw Training has been selected as one of 12 training providers and FE colleges across the UK to support the Academy in rolling out and achieving its aims.

The Virtual Academy will act as a link between business and training providers, offering practical assistance on training issues. The term ‘virtual’ was chosen because it was not the intention to create a new facility, but to harness existing structures and use technology to aid communication.

By acting as broker/facilitator, the Virtual Academy aims to put the right people onto the right courses and ensure employers come together for the benefit of the industry. For example, three companies may wish to put 100 cleaners on to a nationally accredited cleaning course.  Through the Virtual Academy, they can collaborate and choose the right training provider, according to region or number of learners, and economies of scale can be achieved.