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The Source is celebrating yet another achievement after being named as one of the first training providers in the country to take part in a national scheme to revive the recession-hit retail sector.

The Source at Meadowhall was announced as a founder member of the National Skills Academy for Retail; a Government backed network of training centres designed to increase productivity in the retail sector.

Staff from the centre were formally welcomed to the academy at a glitzy London launch, attended by Dragons Den star Theo Paphitis and CEOs from top retailers including Sainsbury's and John Lewis.

Led by Skillsmart Retail and the Learning and Skills Council, the National Skills Academy for Retail has been hailed as a key way to help retailers to develop their staff's potential, improve their performance and prepare for the economic upturn. This is especially important in Sheffield because there are 25,295 retail businesses in Yorkshire & Humberside, employing 236,849 people - or 10% of the total retail workforce in England.

Since opening in 2003 The Source has already helped to raise the skills of more than 2000 employees from over 500 retailers across South Yorkshire, 180 of which are situated within Meadowhall Shopping Centre. The Source has also taken 500 young people through its Young Apprenticeship programme and helped hundreds of adults with no qualifications get back into work since opening six years ago.

Ann Cadman, The Source Centre Director, said: "It is a great honour to be part of the National Skills Academy for Retail. This national network of Skills Shops will support the retail sector by offering high quality training. The NSA is an exciting initiative that will provide bespoke business solutions nationally and we are proud to represent the NSA in South Yorkshire, supporting retailers with the development and proficiency of their workforce."

Retailer and star of BBC1's Dragon's Den Theo Paphitis said: "Training is vital to the success of retailers and The Source will help both employees and employers find the right training for their business.  Whether it is an Apprenticeship, retail customer service programme or work experience opportunity, it will be an important part of Sheffield life and provide a timely boost to the retail sector."

Jane Rexworthy, Head of the National Skills Academy for Retail, said:  "We are all excited to launch the National Skills Academy for Retail and welcome The Source to the network. Together, we will now begin our mission to drive up the skills levels of everyone within the diverse and large retail sector.

"The Source will act as a resource for everyone, from local people hoping to begin their career or get back in to work, to retailers looking for the best way to train their existing workforce."