The Scottish onshore oil and gas industry and other processing sectors are set to receive a boost from the creation of a National Skills Academy (NSA) that will provide accreditation to training companies in the country.

According to the Scotsman, the NSA is in talks with Scottish Enterprise to secure funding for the new facilities, which are expected to be established in the central Stirling area, serving both Scotland's pharmaceutical and chemical industries, as well as the onshore oil and gas industry based in Aberdeen.

"Suitable training courses are very important in our industry. Despite the credit crunch, a lot of companies are still working three shifts and cannot send workers off on long courses," said Skills Academy chief executive Philip Jones.

The NSA is also in the process of recruiting new members to its board as it moves forwards with its objectives of addressing crucial skills shortfalls and boosting competitiveness.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development