Support Training Action Group – 4 December 2012

Meeting was chaired by Bernadette Kerr. STAG is a voluntary organisation representing private providers, colleges to lobby on issues that affect. “Next six months will be a trying period and all the more important to stick together.” – (never found out why next six months were going to be any different! DS)

This was also one of the last official appearances of John Park MSP Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, co-convenor of the cross party group on Skills. He said that there are always opportunities to engage with MSPs.

An apprentice at Rosyth Dockyard from age of 15, he learned not necessarily technical – it was about things that make a difference , what we call softer skills. Since elected John Park has focused on vocational qualifications. Now there is a bidding game on apprenticeship numbers as all parties have given this priority.

Not what we spend but how we do it. He suggested that employers were the route to meet aspirations of the workforce. Examples of good practice need to be highlighted but dwelt on the poor employee development as at the new Amazon facility in Dunfermline. He reminded everyone that MSPs were always on the look out for issues both at local and national levels.

Lesley Gallagher, Stirling Community Planning Partnership Manager gave a presentation stressing getting involved at local level. The reform of public services is central to her work. Key for community planning was involving the communities and the users. Service providers working together. Prioritising outcomes, possibly intervening at an earlier stage and everybody holding each other to account. (Not sure of the relevance of this topic to the audience).

Certificates of Work Readiness
This was the most interesting part of the afternoon. An SDS project to provide employers with a standard which shows that an individual has demonstrated the skills, attributes and behaviours required by an e,player over a sustained period of time.
Aims to provide individuals with appropriate support, knowledge and skills to improve their opportunities for sustaining employment.

Principles as deployed at Falkirk ETU were used. Ultimately this seeks employers endorsement of young persons development. The learning programme integrates and embeds the support requirement into delivery of the programme. Current target group is the 16-19 year old.

Aims to identify the skills, behaviours and personal attributes that employers seek. Understands and demonstrates the responsibilities and demands of the employer.
Identifies and demonstrates the responsibilities and demands of the employee. Develop core skills in communication, numeracy, ICT, working with others and problem solving to a work ready standard.

Young people who have undertaken this award have improved their opportunities for progression into employment. They have also enhanced their skills in self evaluation and their skills in planning and setting personal targets in relation to the world of work.

The award structure is credit levelled by SQCF. Work experience helps trainees find out about themselves and get into a positive attitude towards work. Training provider acts as a leveller. Dress code, eating and drinking on the job etc.
At the end of the course, candidates are scored.
Work must be substantive.

Success depends on maintaining a high standard. Rejected the idea of delivering this in schools. There could be something to develop to sit below that but do not want this delivered in a diluted manner.

This is not SDS methodology like getting ready for work, training for Work – it is an Award. Questioned on funding, Karen suggested that there would be funding arrangements announced in the near future. She said that it probably has its place within the funding framework. Certificate is a SQA / SDS customised award. Not a national award.

Hazel Mathieson, Head of National Operations, Skills Development Scotland had no information to release because government make the policy decisions. They will make announcement on future provision in about two weeks. Youth will continue to have emphasis, especially 16 – 19 years olds.

She moved on swiftly to give an overview of SDS work. There has been a refocus of activity on long term youth unemployed. My World of Work is the first place of referral and resource continues to be developed there. A lot of work and effort going into this.

Work with employers
Modern Apprenticeships at a record 26427 in over 80 occupational frameworks. This year further ahead on spend. Construction still a big , retail has dipped, health and social care strong. An MA survey is evaluating success of the delivery of the programme to ensure good value.
Skills Investment plans are mapping out industry requirements for future years.

Flexible Training Opportunities
No decision on whether this is to be continued. It is popular with employers.