ProSkills launch signals new HQ and growth

Sector Skills Council ProSkills is to officially launch in November as it moves into new offices and takes on full-time staff.

The event will take place on 1 November on board HQS Wellington, next to Victoria Embankment, London. It will include presentations on the organisation's role and objectives, given by ProSkills chief executive Terry Watts and chairman Stephen Falder. The guest of honour will be the under secretary of state for education Phil Hope.

"This event is just part of the range of activities going on," said ProSkills head of communication and marketing Richard Bloxam.

He added that the organisation has also moved into new offices in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.  The headquarters employs 17 staff, although this could grow to 26 in a year to 18 months' time, according to Bloxham.

"We have put together a team called Employer Engagement who will be visiting companies, including print firms, to give them information on training and obtaining funding," said Bloxam.

ProSkills is also assembling a research and development division, while Bloxam is building up the communications and marketing department.

ProSkills came into force on 1 August after being granted its Sector Skills Council licence in July.

Story by Philip Chadwick