PGC NTO chief executive Richard Beamish will now head the PEF, which has taken over the publicly funded contracts of the PGC NTO and plans to develop a new strategy for improving skills and training.

Beamish said the changeover had been evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The PEF is an independent company funded by the industry and from public sources.

Beamish was confident that the PEF would build on the achievements of the PGC NTO. Its early priorities will include improving recruitment, identifying skills gaps and shortages, and maximising public funding support for up-skilling.

The PEF is also committed in principle to working with the proposed Proskills Sector Skills Council, which cover process and manufacturing industries.

The PEFs first chairman will be TJ International chief executive Angus Clark, while the GPMUs Chris Harding, Catherine Hearn of Polestar and Graham Ellis of Charles Letts will be among its board members.

Beamish said he was proud of the PGC NTOs achievements, including the development of a re-branding campaign for the industry aimed at young people, increasing the capability of SMEs, establishing regional cluster groups, and ensuring the range and content of training courses and programmes addressed current and future business needs.