Report spotlights apprenticeships as crucial to tackling changes in the world of work
Automation, digitalisation, the green transition and demographic shifts offer opportunities for Scotland's apprenticeship system, according to a new report from an international economic agency.
Automation, digitalisation, the green transition and demographic shifts offer opportunities for Scotland's apprenticeship system, according to a new report from an international economic agency.
Changes in the world of work offer opportunities for Scotland's apprenticeship system according to a new report from an international economic agency.
Automation, digitalisation, the green transition and demographic shifts such as an ageing workforce present challenges for the future of skills that a well developed and supported work-based learning system will help to meet.
The latest report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) says the role employers play in leading change in the system is more important than ever.
It highlights how putting employers at the heart of apprenticeships makes the system more responsive to evolving skills needs - and how innovation and technology can be used to further expand and promote apprenticeships.
Paul Campbell, Chair of the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board’s Employer Engagement Group, said: “This latest report clearly positions the need for employers to be at the centre of design and delivery of apprenticeships.
“Quite simply, without employers there are no apprenticeships, which is why it is crucial that they deliver for industry and meet the needs of business, alongside the needs of learners and the economy.
“I am pleased to see the report recognise the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board’s leadership in apprenticeship governance and the crucial role that employers have in achieving Scotland’s ambitions for a world-class apprenticeship system.
“I am hopeful that the Independent Review on skills will commit to changing the Scottish skills system for the better and build upon the significant improvements and innovations of the last ten years.
“We need to ensure that employers are at the heart of the apprenticeship system and recognise this compelling evidence from the OECD which demonstrates through a range of international comparisons why it’s vital that employers are at the very centre of a demand-led system.”
The rise of new technologies and the continued shift to net zero means that the apprenticeship system is more important than ever in responding to employers’ changing needs.
Jamie Hepburn
Minister for Higher and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training
Minister for Higher and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “Apprenticeships will play a vital role in ensuring that Scotland’s workforce is prepared for the challenges of the present and the future. This is underlined by our commitment to a skilled workforce set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
“The rise of new technologies and the continued shift to net zero means that the apprenticeship system is more important than ever in responding to employers’ changing needs.
“While meeting the demands of a changing economy, apprenticeships also have a fundamental role in making sure that Scotland’s workforce is as inclusive and diverse as possible – which will help meet critical goals of improving productivity and innovation.”
Key to addressing labour market changes
The report, developed with support from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB), recommends:
- Strengthening the role of employers by offering effective support and incentives for taking on apprentices; building towards a demand-led model and establishing minimum standards
- Using labour market data to match apprentices to employers and learning technology to enhance delivery and assessment
- Offering fully funded Modern Apprenticeships to ensure opportunity for all; mainstreaming inclusion and equity; providing a direct route to a final qualification for experienced workers; master craftsperson qualifications
It emphasises that apprenticeships have a crucial role in addressing changing labour market needs by delivering the technical and meta skills employers need.
The report recognises how SAAB is helping to ensure employers take a leading role in the design, delivery and governance of apprenticeships, ensuring that they meet economic and industry needs, and are aligned with the Scottish Government’s Fair Work goals and ambitions through the Scotland's National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
Read the full report here.