http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/LatestNews.aspx Latest updates from The Alliance Scotland Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:34:20 +0000 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:34:20 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/120217_AllianceScotlandUpdate.aspx As of 1 April 2012, Sector Skills Councils will move from grant-in-aid funding from the UK Government to project funding, which they will bid for on a project-by-project basis. As such, while the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils' role will still be to position and promote SSCs, due to Scottish Government funding cuts the Alliance will no longer have a Scotland-specific function. This means there will no longer be a dedicated Alliance operation in Scotland; this will be replaced with a small core team based in London which will continue to focus on positioning SSCs throughout the UK. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/120217_AllianceScotlandUpdate.aspx#item47 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/111117_2011LMIProfiles.aspx It is an improving picture, but while overall the level of skills gaps in Scotland's workforce are falling, key sectors of the Scottish economy still experience significant skills gaps, with a fifth of employers in some areas reporting a skills gap in their workforce. These are the findings according to a report launched today by the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland), the body responsible for acting as the voice of employers in the skills system. A skills gap occurs when employers find that an employee lacks the necessary skills to carry out their role with full proficiency. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/111117_2011LMIProfiles.aspx#item46 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/111115_CommonwealthGamesLegacy.aspx Jacqui Hepburn, Director of the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland), comments on Glasgow working to ensure Commonwealth Games leave jobs legacy: "Many will have recently read of proposals by Glasgow City Council to create 1,000 jobs for graduates through its £10 million Commonwealth Graduate Fund. This recognises the challenges graduates are facing in securing jobs, and will serve to retain their talents within Scotland. "The scheme, which will form part of the legacy left to Glasgow by the Games, opened yesterday and as an organisation committed to the delivery of a skilled workforce is, of course, one we warmly welcome." Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/111115_CommonwealthGamesLegacy.aspx#item45 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/111025_CommitmentToApprenticeships.aspx Jacqui Hepburn, Director of the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland), comments on the Scottish Government's continued commitment to apprenticeships: "The continued commitment by the current Scottish Government to apprenticeships and the delivery of a skilled workforce is to be greatly welcomed. "At its recent conference in Inverness the SNP recognised the skills shortages in the energy sector, with a commitment to deliver 2,000 modern apprenticeships specifically for this sector as well as an additional 1,000 flexible training places for energy and low carbon industries." Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/111025_CommitmentToApprenticeships.aspx#item44 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110922_IAGFactSheets.aspx The organisation responsible for representing the voice of employers in the skill system has launched a series of fact sheets with key careers information for those looking to embark on employment in areas ranging from construction to retail and the creative arts to textiles. The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland), with the support of skills agency Skills Development Scotland, has produced the short easy-to-use publications to give snappy information on the jobs available within various sectors; what skills and strengths are required, as well as case studies of those employed in the area and how they got into it. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110922_IAGFactSheets.aspx#item43 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110916_WelcomePost16Review.aspx Commenting on Scottish Government proposals for reform of post-16 education, announced by Education Secretary Michael Russell, Jacqui Hepburn, Director of the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland), which acts as the voice of employers in the skills system, welcomed the initiative saying: "These Scottish Government proposals, ensuring post-16 vocational education and training can support people into work and help sustain them in productive employment, are to be welcomed. "It is vitally important that we do everything we can to support our young people to develop the skills and knowledge they need for the workplace, and that those in employment are up-skilled and re-skilled. These proposals aim to put the learner at the heart of the skills system, integrated with other parts of the education and employment systems. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110916_WelcomePost16Review.aspx#item42 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110728_2010AnnualReview.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland), has published its 2010/11 Annual Review today. Established in 2008, the Alliance Scotland acts as the collective voice of 21 Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and their employers on skills issues, ensuring that their voice is heard at the highest levels. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110728_2010AnnualReview.aspx#item41 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110701_RenewablesRoutemap.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland), the body which is responsible for representing Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and their employers on skills issues, has welcomed the Scottish Government's publication of its 'Renewables Routemap'. The 'Routemap' outlines the necessary steps needed to capitalise on the enormous economic potential of Scotland's green energy capacity and to meet ambitious targets, including supplying 100% of electricity demand equivalent from renewables by 2020. In addition, the plan sets new targets to meet 30% of overall energy demand from renewables by 2020. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110701_RenewablesRoutemap.aspx#item40 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110621_MAAwards2011.aspx Apprentices, learning providers, colleges and employers have contributed significantly to the development of the Modern Apprenticeship programme in Scotland. The 2011 awards will showcase those who have, through their involvement in Modern Apprenticeships (MAs), demonstrated initiative, enterprise and outstanding commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Scottish economy. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110621_MAAwards2011.aspx#item39 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110517_UpgradingWorkforceSkills.aspx Last week saw the start of BBC’s One’s ‘The Apprentice’, where plucky candidates do their best to outdo each other and impress Lord Sugar to win the coveted prize of £250,000, to be spent on a start up business of their choice. Away from the media glare of Sir Alan and his budding entrepreneurs, the issue of apprenticeships has never been more relevant, and as 48 new MSPs take their seats in the Scottish Parliament, the delivery of a skilled workforce is set to be one of the key issues facing the new Scottish Government and Parliament. In fact, increasing workforce skills and productivity was highlighted as a key matter in a briefing to MSPs by the Scottish Parliament on the challenges they will face in the fourth session of the parliament. Tue, 17 May 2011 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110517_UpgradingWorkforceSkills.aspx#item38 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110321_ShapeFutureforMAs.aspx With the Scottish Government's recent announcement that 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) will be created over the coming year, the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland) is seeking input from employers to help ensure future MA frameworks are designed to meet their needs. Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110321_ShapeFutureforMAs.aspx#item37 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110303_CountMeIn.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland), the body responsible for representing employers on skills issues has today, 3 March, launched a campaign urging Scotland's political parties to put skills and the delivery of a skilled workforce at the heart of their policy commitments for the Scottish elections in May. The campaign, entitled 'Count Me In', calls on Scottish Parliament candidates to work with SSCs to deliver the five pledges outlined in the Alliance Scotland's 2011 Manifesto in order to achieve the step change that is needed to make the skills system in Scotland truly demand-led. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110303_CountMeIn.aspx#item36 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110112_AllianceScotlandManifesto.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland), the body responsible for representing employers on skills issues has today (12th January), published its manifesto for the Scottish elections in May, and urged Scotland’s political parties to put skills and the delivery of a skilled workforce at the heart of their manifesto policy commitments. The Alliance Scotland is urging policy makers through 17 specific policy recommendations to recognise the importance of a skilled workforce to delivering sustainable economic growth and to protect investment in skills accordingly. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 06:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/110112_AllianceScotlandManifesto.aspx#item35 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101216_ScotlandGoldEuroSkills.aspx The 20-strong team that represented the UK at the pan-European skills competition, EuroSkills, held in Portugal from 9 to 11 December, have returned home with an impressive 17 medals, won in skills ranging from Landscape Gardening and Hairdressing to CAD and Mobile Robotics. The UK team were also awarded three Medallions for Excellence. Among the gold medal winners was Ryan Sheridan from East Kilbride, who is a student at Motherwell College. Ryan won gold for Mechanical Engineering CAD and is a member of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101216_ScotlandGoldEuroSkills.aspx#item34 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101213_BrownAppointedTransportMinister.aspx First Minister Alex Salmond has appointed Keith Brown as Scotland's new Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Mr Brown takes over the post following the resignation of Stewart Stevenson from the Government yesterday. Mr Brown's post as Minister for Skills and Lifelong learning is proposed to be filled by Angela Constance, who is to be promoted from the backbenches pending parliamentary and Royal approval. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101213_BrownAppointedTransportMinister.aspx#item33 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101209_2010MAAwardsASuccess.aspx Last night saw the 9th annual awards ceremony celebrating the outstanding achievements of employees, employers and learning providers involved in Modern Apprenticeships across Scotland. Hosted by Stephen Jardine and held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, The 2010 Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards showcased the initiative, enterprise and outstanding commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Scottish economy. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101209_2010MAAwardsASuccess.aspx#item32 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101115_LowCarbonEconomicStrategy.aspx A plan to create new green jobs and capture the opportunities of the low carbon economy has been published today. It is estimated around 60,000 new Scottish green jobs could be created by 2020 and the Low Carbon Economic Strategy crystallises the Scottish Government's approach to utilise Scotland's vast natural resources and competitive advantages to grow the economy and cut emissions. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101115_LowCarbonEconomicStrategy.aspx#item31 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101019_GreenTrainingOpportunities.aspx Hundreds of new training places for employers working to support a low carbon economy have been announced by the Scottish Government. The 650 new places, to be delivered through Skills Development Scotland, are being funded with the support of the European Social Fund to enable employers to up-skill and re-skill employees in low carbon technologies as part of the Scottish Government's drive to maximise the economic benefits of greener business. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101019_GreenTrainingOpportunities.aspx#item30 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101013_ScottishSkillsChallenge.aspx The recent publication by the Scottish Government of its refreshed Skills for Scotland Strategy is a timely contribution in addressing the challenge of delivering a skilled workforce. Skills which in the current economic environment are essential to drive productivity, boost sustainable economic growth and accelerate economic recovery. Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101013_ScottishSkillsChallenge.aspx#item29 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101005_SkillsStrategyRefresh.aspx The Scottish Government has refreshed the 'Skills for Scotland' Strategy, which aims to simplify the skills system, empower individuals and employers to access help and support more effectively and better meet the needs of the key economic sectors and industries of the future. Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101005_SkillsStrategyRefresh.aspx#item28 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101004_CollaborationAgreement.aspx Scotland’s Colleges and the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland (Alliance Scotland) have signed a collaborative agreement to work more closely together in delivering a skilled workforce. Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/101004_CollaborationAgreement.aspx#item27 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100916_FlexibleTrainingOpportunities.aspx Flexible Training Opportunities gives businesses with under 50 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs. Launched by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and supported by the European Social Fund, it aims to help small businesses become more resilient and to boost productivity and success. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100916_FlexibleTrainingOpportunities.aspx#item26 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100902_TerminationOfSkillseekers.aspx In September 2007 the Scottish Government published 'Skills for Scotland - A Lifelong Learning Strategy' which clearly set out their ambitions for skills training in Scotland from cradle to grave. Within the document, the Government made a commitment to implementing the conclusions of the 'Building on our Success - Improving Modern Apprenticeships' consultation which explicitly recommends the extension of the current Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme to include Frameworks at level 2 and phase out the current Skillseekers programme. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100902_TerminationOfSkillseekers.aspx#item25 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100818_VocationalEducationReview.aspx The Scottish Government has launched a review of vocational education and training in Scotland, designed to ensure it provides maximum value for money and economic return. Led by Skills Development Scotland Chair Willy Roe, the review will examine workforce development and support for the unemployed and young people seeking to enter the jobs market. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100818_VocationalEducationReview.aspx#item24 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100812_2010ModernApprenticeshipAwards.aspx The 2010 Awards will showcase those who have, through their involvement in Modern Apprenticeships, demonstrated initiative, enterprise and outstanding commitment to the improvement of skills development for the Scottish economy. Apprentices, learning providers, colleges and employers have contributed significantly to the development of the Modern Apprenticeship programme in Scotland. Now in their 9th year, the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards are a celebration of the high standards being reached by many employees, employers and learning providers involved in Modern Apprenticeships. This year, the award ceremony will take place on Wednesday 8 December at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow. This will be a glittering awards ceremony and dinner where each finalist will be a VIP guest and each winner will receive a specially designed awards trophy. Commenting on the launch of the Awards Jacqui Hepburn, Director of the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland said: "These Awards serve to showcase the best of Scotland's apprentices, employers and learning providers, and the range of talent on display is truly amazing. I would urge all those with an interest to enter in what is yet again sure to be another hotly contested competition." Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100812_2010ModernApprenticeshipAwards.aspx#item23 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100721_RelaunchOfSCQFWebsite.aspx The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Partnership have announced the re-launch of the SCQF website which they hope will better engage with partners and stakeholders in Scotland and beyond. The partnership consulted with a number of stakeholders on requirements for the site via a working group composed of representatives from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Skills Development Scotland (SDS), University of the West of Scotland and the Scottish Police College. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100721_RelaunchOfSCQFWebsite.aspx#item22 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100712_ModernApprenticeshipsSocialMedia.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland, on behalf of the Modern Apprenticeship Group Secretariat, have today launched a social media campaign for Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. Everybody from stakeholders in the Scottish skills system to Scots across the nation will be able to follow updates live via Twitter or log onto Facebook where a dedicated page will host news, case studies, photos events and updates relating to Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100712_ModernApprenticeshipsSocialMedia.aspx#item20 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100721_RelaunchOfSCQFWebsite.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland, on behalf of the Modern Apprenticeship Group Secretariat, have today launched a social media campaign for Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. Everybody from stakeholders in the Scottish skills system to Scots across the nation will be able to follow updates live via Twitter or log onto Facebook where a dedicated page will host news, case studies, photos events and updates relating to Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/100721_RelaunchOfSCQFWebsite.aspx#item21 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/ImprovingSkillsInScotland240610.aspx Bernadette Monaghan, former Chief Executive of Apex Scotland, has been appointed into a unique role as Project Director for the newly established Third Sector Skills Partnership, to support and promote the development of skills within the third sector. The role is supported by funding from the Scottish Government. Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/ImprovingSkillsInScotland240610.aspx#item19 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/TheFutureOfRenewables200610.aspx Steps must be taken to prevent Scotland's renewables sector being hindered by an ageing workforce and skills shortages, a report launched in Methill last week warns. Responding to the Scottish Government's discussion paper, 'Towards a Low Carbon Economy For Scotland,' the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland said too few young people found a career in renewable energy an attractive option. Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/TheFutureOfRenewables200610.aspx#item18 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/TheFutureOfRenewables200610.aspx Steps must be taken to prevent Scotland's renewables sector being hindered by an ageing workforce and skills shortages, a report launched in Methill last week warns. Responding to the Scottish Government's discussion paper, 'Towards a Low Carbon Economy For Scotland,' the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland said too few young people found a career in renewable energy an attractive option. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/TheFutureOfRenewables200610.aspx#item15 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/ImprovingSkillsInScotland240610.aspx Bernadette Monaghan, former Chief Executive of Apex Scotland, has been appointed into a unique role as Project Director for the newly established Third Sector Skills Partnership, to support and promote the development of skills within the third sector. The role is supported by funding from the Scottish Government. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/ImprovingSkillsInScotland240610.aspx#item17 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/AllianceScotlandActionPlan150410.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland has launched its 2010-2011 Action Plan, outlining its key priorities for the organisation and its members over the next year. The Plan also emphasises the Alliance's commitment to working with skills and learning partners to ensure a sustainable and skilled workforce for employers in Scotland. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/AllianceScotlandActionPlan150410.aspx#item7 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/10PointPlan300310.aspx Education Secretary Michael Russell MSP's ten point plan to drive forward the delivery of Curriculum for Excellence is a very positive step forward for the Scottish workforce. Employers have highlighted to us time and again the need to improve literacy and numeracy amongst school leavers, and we are pleased to see this being addressed by this plan. Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/10PointPlan300310.aspx#item8 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/KeyReport230310.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland has released a new report focusing on workforce development in Scotland. The report was the result of an employer skills conference held by the Alliance last week in Glasgow, which offered a very timely opportunity for employers and the skills sector to have their priorities on workforce development heard, and to help shape the new skill strategy, expected in spring. Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/KeyReport230310.aspx#item9 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/SkillsConference170310.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland held its 2010 Employer Skills Conference on workforce development yesterday in Glasgow. The event focused on the critical role that workforce development has to play in boosting Scotland's productivity and organisational effectiveness, and explored how the various elements of the skills system should work together to ensure it fits the needs of employers and individuals. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/SkillsConference170310.aspx#item10 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/Ambition2020_110210.aspx The UK Commission for Employment and Skills' report comes at an important for Scotland. As it recovers from recession, and the skills and employment system responds to the different needs of business, it is vital that the skills system is able to respond effectively to the changing needs of individuals and employers. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/Ambition2020_110210.aspx#item11 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/InvestmentinApprentice110110.aspx The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland welcomes the latest strange of the 'Invest in an Apprentice' scheme, which was announced today by the Scottish Government. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.alliancescotland.org/NewsEvents/News/InvestmentinApprentice110110.aspx#item12