Semta appoints new chairman

Cook is a chartered engineer with more than 30 years' global experience in the automotive, aerospace and defence industries. Prior to Atkins, he was chief executive of Cobham PLC, and previously held senior positions with GEC-Marconi, BAE Systems and Hughes Electronics. Chief executive of Semta, Philip Whiteman said: "I am delighted that Allan has accepted this position at a very exciting and challenging time for the UK science, engineering and manufacturing sector. We have a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the business needs of traditional and emerging industries. As a senior industrialist, Allan brings a strong employer voice to guide and champion Semta as we simplify the skills landscape and help improve the skills and competitiveness of this vital sector." Semta's 2010 UK Skills Report suggested that 30,000 new highly-skilled scientists and engineers a year were needed between 2010 and 2016. The organisation launched a simplified skills service to improve access to quality training and funding and according to Semta businesses working with its National Skills Academy for Manufacturing have seen an average of 6:1 ratio of return on their investment in skills. Commenting on his new appointment, Cook (pictured) said:"I look forward to building on the achievements of Sir Alan and the staff of Semta and in supporting those industries which are growing in importance to the country, such as life sciences and biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, nuclear, science, as well as our more mature industries. Working in partnership with other agencies, we can ensure employers are able to identify and address their specific skills gaps and training needs and so assist them to compete globally."