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Plans for Skills Strategy
07/06/2007
Plans for a Scottish Skills Strategy, recommended as part of a consultation on lifelong learning, were announced in Parliament today.
The new Skills Strategy will:
- Highlight the skills valued and required both by employers and individuals
- Demonstrate how sectors from Further Education/Higher Education to schools, community learning and workforce development can contribute to the skills agenda
- Outline the responsibilities of those involved in skills development
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop said:
"People are the powerhouse of our economy. That's why it's vital that everyone has the knowledge and skills they need to play their full part in a smarter Scotland.
"These aren't just skills to be acquired in the classroom or lecture hall - they are skills that can be developed throughout people's lives, through both vocational and academic means.
"Our Skills Strategy will recognise that - while Scotland already has a skilled workforce - the country's future prosperity and success will depend on matching the skills of our workforce with the changing needs of business and employers.
"We must take a truly lifelong learning based approach to skills development in Scotland, encompassing everything from nursery and school to further or higher education and all forms of adult learning.
"This Scottish skills strategy will build on work already underway - such as the revamping of the curriculum and extension of vocational education - as well as allowing us to work with employers to help them tackle skills shortages and increase people's employability."
Life Through Learning; Learning Through Life, the Lifelong Learning Strategy for Scotland was published in February 2003. The Executive's consultation on the lifelong learning strategy ran from November 2006 to February 2007.
One of the recommendations was for the Executive to develop a Skills Strategy.
The UK Government's response to the Leitch Review of Skills is due to be published next week on June 14.