The Naval Recruitment Training Agency (NRTA) originally called the Naval Training Department was first established in 1944 as a department within the Admiralty it underwent numerous name changes until 1 April 1995 as a new agency of the Navy Department of the British Ministry of Defence. Its role was to contribute to the operational capability of the United Kingdom Armed Forces by recruiting to the Naval Service, delivering training to the Defence community it was administered by the Chief Executive (NRTA)/Flag Officer, Training and Recruitment it was abolished in 2005.
The Navy first established a naval training department in December 1944 under the command of Rear-Admiral John W. Durnford, until 1951 when it was renamed the Department of the Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel(Training) administered by Rear-Admiral Charles F.W. Norris. In 1960 the department was then renamed the Directorate-General, Training until 1969 when it was abolished. In 1972 a new training organization was re-established called the Directorate-General, Naval Manpower and Training placed initially under the command of Vice-Admiral David Williams the directorate lasted until 1994. A new Naval Recruiting and Training Agency (NRTA) was launched in April 1995. It was an agency of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The chief executive of NRTA was the Flag Officer, Training and Recruitment he also held the joint post of Director-General Naval Training and Education. The agency was headquartered at the Victory Building, HM Naval Base Portsmouth. The agency was responsible for the recruitment and training of personnel for the Royal Navy, and additionally to recruit for the Royal Marines. In addition it managed the Royal Naval Reserve and the University Royal Naval Units. The NRTA provided support to maritime-related youth organisations such as combined cadet forces, recognised sea scout units and volunteer cadet. The Agency was a subsidiary department of the Office of the Second Sea Lord and consisted of 21 training schools.