Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing sector, which includes the print and paper industries, has appointed Graeme Finch as General Manager of the National Skills Academy for Materials, Production & Supply. Graeme will spearhead the ongoing development of the Academy to provide top class industry-specific skills training support and solutions based on the demands of employers and employees.
Graeme brings with him a wealth of experience in engineering and manufacturing as well as his broader business support and management expertise, gained during his time at Business Link, the government-backed business advice and support service.
“The Academy is set to be one of the most significant developments in the print and paper industries in terms of developing, creating and maintaining a first class workforce to safeguard the future of the industry, and finding the right person to build on and develop the Academy further was crucial,” said Terry Watts, Chief Executive of Proskills. “Graeme’s combined experience of the manufacturing sector, together with his understanding of running a successful business support organisation and strong leadership qualities will be invaluable to establishing the structure of the Academy as the delivery mechanism for industry-focussed skills training.”
Grame joins the Academy from Jules m Ltd, a successful start-up company where he was Chief Executive for the past two years. He began his career as a project engineer, but soon progressed into general management. Graeme spent 10 years within the solar power industry, becoming Managing Director of Solapak Ltd and later Group Operations Director of Intersolar Group Ltd.
During the 1990s he entered the manufacturing sector, where he ran a transformer manufacturer and later headed up the European operation of a large US-based electronic component packaging company.
In 2000, Graeme became Chief Executive Officer of Business Link, where he was responsible for establishing a network of regional offices, setting up an ICT structure and generating funding opportunities to support new initiatives, which he and his team achieved in just 14 weeks. During his time at Business Link, he also led the organisation’s creation of an impartial Business Link offer, as well as the creation and development of the Information, Diagnostic and Brokerage (IDB) business model. Introducing innovative new processes and cost-efficiencies, Graeme ran one of the most financially efficient Business Link operations in England.
Commenting on his appointment, Graeme Finch added, “During the past months, there has been a great deal of consultation with employers regarding their expectations and requirements from The Academy. I want to ensure that this enthusiasm is turned in to reality, and that businesses large and small, continue to take an interactive role into how the Academy shapes itself. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders, employers and trade representatives over the coming months and to developing a first class skills delivery operation that will make a real difference to employer and employees and to the industries they represent.”
