Skillfast-UK, the Sector Skills Council for apparel, footwear and textiles, has had its plans to open a National Skills Academy (NSA) for the fashion, textiles and jewellery sectors approved by the UK Department for Education and Skills.

Backed by a number of further education institutes and centres of vocational training across the UK, the NSA will provide a learning programme tailored to the needs of each individual and employer.

Skillfast-UK hopes to complete a detailed business plan for the academy by early next year with its first courses starting in September 2008.