Employability for Scotland

Improving from a Position of Strength
 
Tuesday 20th March 2007
Radisson SAS Hotel, Glasgow G2
 
Keynote Speaker
 
Allan Wilson MSP
Deputy Prime Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning

Raising skill levels, tackling under-employment and creating an enterprise culture all remain fundamental challenges for those determined to create a bright and secure future for Scotland.

It is widely acknowledge that Scotland is in a strong position in terms of the provision of lifelong learning and those staying in the education system past 16, however, there remain issues around how the various institutions can best work together and there remain 80,000 people in Glasgow alone who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Many innovative initiatives already exist but, recognising that more needs to be done, the Scottish Executive has successfully introduced new measures to support skills and employability; for instance the Modern Apprenticeships with their 55% pass rate Determined to Succeed, promoting enterprise, and the Skills for Work courses.

The publication of Workforce Plus: an Employability Framework for Scotland and the new NEET Strategy set the course for improving employability, and education remains the strongest facilitator.

This conference will bring together those responsible for ensuring that Scotland has the skills needed by both employees and employers both now and in the future. The conference will hear the very latest policy developments and showcase examples of best practice as well as highlighting what needs to be done to ensure that all Scotland's citizens have the chance to reach their full potential.  
 
This one day conference will: 
 

• Consider how education and skills provision can better meet the needs of employees, employers and the Scottish economy of the future
• Hear direct from the Scottish Executive on the latest policy developments in education and training
• Discuss the ways in which stakeholders can ensure that Scottish post-school education and lifelong learning provision is responsive to the needs of the nation, including tackling skills gaps and meeting the needs of business.
• Debate how to create an enterprising culture
• Look at what can be done to break down the barriers between academic and vocational education to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to reach their full potential
• Share experience and good practice through interactive seminars examining key issues in-depth:
• Enterprise education for young people
• School and college partnerships
• Employability issues – looking at those groups who need the most support such as lone parents
• Retention and progression – strategies to engage 
•  Provide an opportunity for high level networking and sharing good practice

If you are interested in attending the event click here to take you to the Neil Stewart Associates website for a booking form.