MetSkill is responsible for articulating the skills and business performance needs of metals companies, and deveoping solutions to meet common needs. This document, now undergoing its third revision, is similar to a Sector Skills Agreement. It forms the basis for our activities and communicates industry priorities to providers and public authorities.

In response to needs identified in the strategy, MetSkill has developed a range of practical Industry Solutions that build on best practice and national standards. Over the past five years, 600 companies (employing nearly 50% of the sector's workforce) and 11,000 employees have benefited from these solutions, and 300 additional young people have entered the industry as apprentices. These activities are designed to deliver measurable business improvements and cost savings. Most activities also respond to companies' need for a more 'empowered' working culture.

These Industry Solutions are delivered by a range of organisations selected from our registered providers.

MetSkill is also responsible for the development of national occupational standards, Metals Processing NVQs and the Metals Processing Apprenticeship and other frameworks for the sector, and act as the voice of the industry with government and its agencies in relation to skills and performance issues.

We also work through the Semta Group to raise around £2m per year to support company-level activity, from public sources.

MetSkill's business model

	ENGAGEMENT of a wide range of metals industry companies, customers and suppliers
FORWARD THINKING to identify best practice, business drivers and strategies for change		IMPACT measured in terms of sector influence; company-level performance improvement and access to funding; take-up and customer satisfaction
INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS to meet strategic needs, building on international best practice and national standards		RESOURCES best value for money provision, including high quality engineers who can lead change; funding; and supply of new entrants