• There are 1,015 companies in Scotland in the five industries that Proskills’ represents
• Employment is at historically high levels
• Scotland's employment rate in 2005 was 75.1 per cent, higher than the UK rate of 74.7 per cent

Scotland

The Scottish economy is performing well with an increasing proportion of working age people in employment. The Government’s Economic Strategy describes the Scottish Government’s key purpose as focusing “government and public services on creating a more
successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth.” The Scottish Government aims to  deliver on this single, overarching purpose through five strategic objectives:

• Wealthier and Fairer
• Smarter
• Healthier
• Safer and Stronger
• Greener

Learning and Skills are critical to economic growth.  Skills for Scotland: A Lifelong Skills Strategy outlines the Scottish Government’s vision for a smarter Scotland and a cohesive lifelong learning system centred upon the individual but responsive to employer needs.  It focuses on 3 themes and 12 guiding principles:    

• Individual development
• Economic pull
• Cohesive structures

Skills for Scotland states that the sectoral approach to more effective employer engagement is the right one and that Sector Skills Councils have a key role in articulating the skills needs of employers. It sets out what the Scottish Government expects of SSCs in Scotland.

What are Proskills doing?

There are currently two employer groups established in Scotland specifically for the Extractives, Building Products and Furniture industries.  Proskills are working to develop a virtual employer network to engage with the widest footprint. The employer groups are committed to identifying the skills that are needed for a sustainable and profitable future; setting and driving up standards of courses and qualifications; and influencing funding and investment in skills and training.