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Summary
Scotland is changing, and that brings a future with both challenges and exciting opportunities. The effects of a changing age structure within our population are unavoidable and will take up an increasing share of our resources. Even the partial solution to this issue of higher levels of inward migration from the rest of the UK, the rest of Europe and the rest of the world will present us with new challenges, many of which we haven't encountered before.
Against this backdrop we seek to remain competitive in an increasingly globalised and dynamic economy within which regularly updated knowledge and skills will be our most significant resource. To be successful within this environment we must strive to enable our people to make the best use of their talents and opportunities and our businesses to be competitive and innovative.
In order for our communities to thrive as safe and tolerant hubs within which our people can live their lives, it is important that all of our people can identify with society and feel that society is interested in them. This is true whether we are talking about communities in our cities, our towns or our more remote areas.
Through a wide range of strategic relationships, our colleges already work toward many objectives which will help us meet the challenges Scotland will face. This paper, which follows on from the Unlocking Opportunity report presents 12 outcomes toward which Scotland's colleges, working with key partners, can make a decisive contribution to a smarter Scotland.
The outcomes are:
- Addressing Scotland's NEET Problem
- Enhancing Vocational Education for Scotland's School Pupils
- Improving the Flow of Knowledge Between Colleges and Business
- Building Scotland's Skills Base
- Developing Scotland's Care and Health Sector Workforce
- Addressing Disadvantage in Scotland's Most Deprived Communities
- Developing and Sustaining Scotland's Remote and Rural Communities
- Delivering English Language Training for Scotland's Inward Migrants
- Addressing Low Levels of Adult Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland
- Nourishing Scotland's Culture of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
- Developing Community Hubs Across Scotland
- Promoting Volunteering Activities in Scotland
These are all areas in which colleges can build upon existing activity and expertise. Colleges are uniquely placed to lead on delivery and doing so successfully will help more clearly define the specific role of Scotland's colleges in relation to other sectors such as schools, universities and private training providers.
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