KPMG has given its support to a new professional services academy based in Birmingham which aims to strengthen the skills base in the region.

The Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy is being launched by Birmingham's biggest further education college -Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMET) - and has received the backing of seven major professional services brands.

KPMG is the only accountancy firm represented, with the other companies included being Deutsche Bank, Gateley, GVA, LaSer UK, Lloyds Bank and Wesleyan Assurance Society.

Andy Argyle, partner at KPMG who is leading the firm's role with the Academy said: 'The professional services sector has a strong presence not only here in the city but also across the region as a whole. We want to capitalise on this tradition and bolster the professional services talent pipeline - to ensure we develop the skills needed by the professionals of tomorrow.'

Recruitment for the Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy starts this month and courses will begin in September, with a curriculum focused on qualifications in law, finance, accounting, banking and insurance.

KPMG, along with the other backers, will support BMET by providing high-level professional support for the students, including internships at their Birmingham offices, mentoring by senior staff, workshop sessions, and 'guru' lectures at the campus by members of their executive teams.

Argyle said: 'Through a structured insight into how a global professional services firm operates, together with tailored mentoring, this approach offers a great opportunity for individuals to really get an idea of what it is like to work in a professional services environment and goes a long way in highlighting just how diverse the roles can be.'