Paul Latham of Live Nation launches Stratford-upon-Avon College’s status as a Founder College for the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills.

On Thursday 3^rd December, a group of specially invited guests from industry and education from across the region gathered at the college to enjoy performances showcasing the college’s technical theatre, design and music technology students and featuring music, dance and musical theatre students.

Special guest, Paul Latham, Chief Operating Officer for International Music and Chairman of the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills spoke at the event and unveiled a plaque in recognition of the college’s newly acquired status.

Paul Latham commented, “As Chairman of the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills, I was delighted to be invited to speak at the inauguration of Stratford-upon-Avon College as a Founder College of the NSA. Their visionary Principal, Martin Penny and his outstanding support team, are model members of the educational establishment working with the NSA, and its employer members, to mould the coursework of students and provide them with tenable pathways into our industry.”

“The passion, enthusiasm and energy on display at the college on 3^rd December emboldens those who witnessed it to take up the gauntlet of the challenge to harness such talent within our business. I look forward to witnessing the burgeoning relationship of Stratford-upon-Avon College with the Royal Shakespeare Company and other regional employers.”

As a Founder College of The National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills, Stratford-upon-Avon College is part of a network of industry specialists in theatre, opera, live music events, festivals, further education colleges and training providers working together to develop, improve and recognise skills - initially for ‘backstage’ and ‘offstage’ roles in theatre and live music events. The NSA provides services and standards for training and skills development, endorsed by industry employers and professionals.

Edward Pinner, Creative and Cultural Partnership Manager, said, “Stratford-upon-Avon College is committed to providing education and training for the next generation of skilled workers in offstage theatre and live music events. Many former students from the college have made a great impact in the creative and cultural sector, both offstage and onstage. Working as part of the National Skills Academy network gives us even greater access to an industry that is thriving and provides a significant financial contribution to the UK economy.

“There is a skills shortage in many offstage and backstage areas that needs to be addressed if performances and live music events are to be staged successfully in the future. Working as a Founder College of the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills, we are integral to the training and skills development of young people who wish to work in the creative and cultural sector.”

For more information, please contact Marketing on 01789 266245 or email marketing@stratford.ac.uk|