Sector Skills & Productivity Alliances (SSPA)
Sector Skills and Productivity Alliances (SSPA)
Unique to the Northwest
The development of the SSPA is an initiative that is unique to the Northwest region and has been developed in response to the Skills White Paper “21st Century Skills”, published in July 2004. There are 20 individual SSPAs covering every sector of the workforce such as Construction, Textiles and in particular Engineering and Aerospace. The latter SSPA is chaired by the Executive Director of the NWAA.
What is a Sector Skills Agreement?
In simple terms, an SSA is a deal between employers, training providers and government. Employers lay out what their workforce and skills requirements are now and in the future. In return, the government and providers agree to fund and deliver training tailored to this need, providing employers are also willing to make a commitment. It affects all aspects of skills and training – both new entrants and existing workers.
Why is it important?
Employers are greatly affected by the SSPA. Government will use the SSPA when developing policy for the sector. The SSA will be viewed as the definitive document on the sector’s position, and the needs of its future skills and training provision.
