SCC Response to Scottish Government’s Reforms to National Education Bodies
Commenting on the Scottish Government’s reforms, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The decision to reallocate funding away from an organisation that the business community deeply respects poses significant risks to the customisation and accessibility of industry-focused training that employers rely on to meet their specific needs.
“Skills Development Scotland has been instrumental in delivering comprehensive career services and facilitating apprenticeships, directly contributing to the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce.
“SDS is vital for designing and securing the future of jobs, yet it is being taken out of an organisation we highly respect. SCC, alongside other business organisations, including the SDS Board put forward the case for a reformed SDS to lead a response to Scotland’s workforce crisis.
This would ensure we have the agility, flexibility and business focus required to unlock a potential £230bn workforce investment over the coming decade across a range of sectors, including shipbuilding, energy & utilities, construction, advanced manufacturing, and onshore/offshore wind.
“Transferring this funding to Scottish Funding Council undermines the progress made in equipping Scotland’s workforce with essential skills and jeopardises the nation’s economic future. We are opposed to transferring what is the only remaining industry-focused fund that employers can access and customise to suit business needs.
“Business should be at the forefront of shaping the future workforce and in our view, we should be building up and expanding Skills Development Scotland, not breaking it down. If this plan is implemented, we will effectively be shifting a successful demand led skills fund through the last remaining employer facing skills programme via SDS, into SFC which is a supply focused institution.
“We call upon the Scottish Government to reconsider this decision, engage more deeply with the business community, and ensure that the future of Scotland’s workforce development is driven by those who understand the needs of the market.
“Additionally, the Scottish Government must urgently review the Apprenticeship Levy, which is failing to meet the needs of our industries. We need a more flexible, responsive approach to apprenticeship and skills development to address shortages and remain competitive. The current labour shortages, particularly in construction, engineering, hospitality, and manufacturing, are a significant barrier to growth. But we must also acknowledge the critical role that migration plays in alleviating these labour shortages.
“We support the ambitions of the proposed Scottish Graduate Visa Scheme as a pathway for skilled workers from outside the UK to fill skills gaps and support economic growth.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Press contact:
Mark Connolly
