The sector skills council for hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism, People 1st has acquired two of Skillsmart Retail’s assets.
People 1st has bought The National Skills Academy (NSA) for Retail which will continue to provide its existing skills solutions to retailers across the UK from Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for retail. The hospitality specialist has also acquired Apprenticeship Certification, which will continue to be provided by a new Standards Setting Body (SSB) utilising the Skillsmart Retail brand.
The SSB will maintain existing links with employers, awarding organisations and providers to perform the apprenticeship certification process for retail.
The transfer of assets will take place next month.
Former Co-operative Group chief executive Martin Beaumont will be stepping down at the end of his term as chair of Skillsmart Retail at the end of September but will remain a director on the Skillsmart Retail board and Anne Seaman will be appointed as executive chair to oversee the transition arrangements.
People 1st currently supports a wide range of service industries and the NSA for Retail skills shops will have the opportunity to extend their skills offer to these industries by accessing additional products and services.
In response to the funding changes, the board of Skillsmart Retail is currently reviewing the future of its operations and considering winding up the Sector Skills Council for Retail.
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