CHANGES TO THE NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES

A number of changes to the national training programmes have been announced by the Education and Lifelong Learning Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop and Willy Roe, the newly appointed Chair of Skills Development Scotland (SDS).  SDS takes over responsibility for national training programmes, Careers Scotland and Scottish University for Industry (SUfI)    from 1 April 2008, including funding and administration for modern apprenticeships.

The changes follow a review of the programmes inherited from Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.  The Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland want to expand provision that is known to deliver effective skills development and utilisation.  This will enable Skills Development Scotland to develop a coherent programme of skills interventions.

The full package of changes, which Skills Development Scotland will implement - are reflected in the contracts issued to Training Providers for 2008/9 - are to:

·         developing a Modern Apprenticeship in Life Sciences

·         refocusing support in adult MAs to only construction and engineering related sectors (e.g. plumbing and bricklaying, electricians, shipbuilding, car maintenance and painting), producing an increase in the number of adult MAs in this sector by 50 per cent, assisting an additional 500 people in industries that face particular training pressures

·         increasing the 16-19 year old MAs by 10% in all construction and engineering related sectors, a total of over 500 additional opportunities

·         maintaining support and recruitment for all 16-19 year old MA candidates for 2008-09

·         maintaining the same level of support for the Get Ready for Work and Training for Work programmes

·         providing an additional 6,500 Level 2 MAs through reform of the Skillseeker programme.

A copy of the full Scottish Government press release is attached:  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/03/31102311

National Training Programme contract volumes and values are now being prepared and will be posted to you shortly. If you have any questions on receipt of your contract, please contact your Contract Manager in the first instance.

I apologise for the delay in this process and would like to thank you for your patience.

Peter Jenkins

National Training Programmes Regional Manager 
Skills Development Scotland