The York-based National Skills Academy for Food and Drink Manufacturing has appointed a new business development manager.
Clare Keegan will join the National Skills Academy from the Lifelong Learning Network, where she was employer liaison officer, tasked with creating networks of employers, sector specialists, universities, colleges and training providers across Staffordshire and Shropshire.
Based in Stafford, Keegan has spent the majority of her career working with training providers, higher and further education establishments, and is experienced in the fields of project management and business development.
As business development manager for the National Skills Academy, she will be responsible for growing and building relationships between the academy’s networks of accredited training providers and ensuring members are benefiting from development opportunities and other collaboration. She will also be looking to increase the number of food and drink employers working with the National Skills Academy network.
She will also be undertaking the Higher Level Skills Pathfinder Project in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. The project has received a £200,000 government grant to develop courses in leadership and business skills development, specifically for small food and drink businesses.
Keegan said: “Talented and skilled workers are essential to the success of any business, so ensuring the National Skills Academy is meeting the needs of food and drink employers and offering relevant, accessible training is vital. Building links between provider networks and businesses, and ensuring everyone involved is reaping the benefits of such partnerships, is a key part of my role. I am looking forward to new challenges and overseeing the new venture with Manchester Metropolitan University.”