A Manchester-based assessment company is preparing for its next phase of growth with a key senior appointment.

North West Skills Academy, which specialises in providing training and assessment services to the construction industry, has recruited Dan Russell as Head of End Point Assessment (EPA).

The role has been created as a result of the company being awarded Approved End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) status by the government.

End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final assessment for an apprentice to ensure that they can do the job they have been training for, and will further bolster North West Skills Academy’s offering.

Dan has a decade of experience in the training sector and joins North West Skills Academy from Innovate Awarding, where he was an EPA Product Manager.

Samuel Riley, CEO at North West Skills Academy, said: “Dan’s appointment follows continued growth in demand for End Point Assessment in the construction sector, and he will bring invaluable skills and knowledge to our team.

“Becoming an Approved End Point Assessment Organisation will allow us to further utilise our assets and expertise to further serve our industry and Dan’s experience will be instrumental to our growth.”

Dan added: “I have watched North West Skills Academy grow over the past few years and it’s clear that it’s a forward-thinking firm with a passion for upskilling the sector.”

FIS Skills Engagement Manager Amanda Scott added: “This is wonderful news for FIS Approved Training Provider North West Skills Academy.  We are delighted for  FIS members as this provides a training, qualification and testing service of known quality.  We welcome Dan to the North West Skills Academy team and the wider FIS community and look forward to continuing this long established working relationship”.

Since its inception in 2013 North West Skills Academy has grown its team from two employees to 33 and has upskilled more than 4,500 learners and employees in the construction sector.

Its End Point Assessment offer is currently Carpentry and Joining but will be expanding to include Drylining, Plastering, Brick Laying, Painting and Decorating, Groundwork, Construction Site Management, Construction Site Supervisor, Plumbing & Domestic Heating, and Wall & Floor Tiling.

www.nwskillsacademy.co.uk