Latest news with #SkillsDevelopmentScotland
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Results helpline to support Lanarkshire pupils with SQA results
The pupils and students- along with their parents and carers - will be able to get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland's (SDS) Results Helpline, which opens from 8am on results day which is Tuesday, August 5. Young people in North and South Lanarkshire can call a dedicated helpline offering expert advice to anyone receiving their full Higher, National, and Advanced results early next month. The pupils and students- along with their parents and carers - will be able to get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland's (SDS) Results Helpline, which opens from 8am on results day which is Tuesday, August 5. The SDS Results Helpline will once again be staffed by expert careers advisers to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps, providing impartial career information, advice, and guidance. The team of qualified advisers from Scotland's national skills agency will be at the end of the phone line to offer guidance on colleges and universities, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering, or staying on at school. The number for the 2025 SDS Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on August 5 and 6 and 9am to 5pm on August 7 and 8. Dave McCallum, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at SDS said: 'Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on their journey. 'Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. They are also trained to help young people recognise that they are more than their exam results, giving them the confidence to see their strengths and abilities beyond qualifications.' Local SDS Careers Adviser Louise Russell is part of the Results Helpline team who will be taking calls from young people, parents and carers from across the country. Louise said: 'Whether a young person didn't receive the results they were hoping for, or they exceeded their expectations, we are here to help them navigate the next steps and make the best decisions for their future.' The SDS Results Helpline has been going for 33 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots. There's also an SDS careers adviser linked to every secondary school in Scotland, with almost a quarter of a million school pupils from P7 to S6 receiving careers information, advice and guidance each year. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: 'Young people have so many different ways to achieve their qualifications, with many eagerly anticipating their results coming through next month. 'It is important that no matter how they do, young people and their families have access to trusted and reliable information on potential next steps. That is what the advisers at the Skills Development Scotland helpline provide. 'I would encourage everyone looking for impartial and expert advice on the options available, whether that is in work, training or further study, to consider contacting the helpline.' Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) helps young people get ready for the world of work by connecting them with employers and supporting them to explore a wide range of career pathways. DYW Co-ordinators are based in secondary schools across Scotland, working alongside SDS careers advisers to support pupils with their next steps. Michelle Fenwick, Director - DYW National Projects, said: 'As results are released, it's important that young people know there are many routes to success and that support is there for them. 'Through our #NoWrongPath campaign, and in partnership with SDS, we're helping young people understand that the world of work is full of opportunity. 'Whether a young person is going into further or higher education, training, employment or still considering their options – the Results Helpline is a great way to get guidance, reassurance, and a sense of direction.'
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Results helpline to support West Lothian pupils with SQA results
The pupils and students- along with their parents and carers - will be able to get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland's (SDS) Results Helpline, which opens from 8am on results day which is Tuesday, August 5. Young people in West Lothian can call a dedicated helpline offering expert advice to anyone receiving their full Higher, National, and Advanced results early next month. The pupils and students- along with their parents and carers - will be able to get support with their results through Skills Development Scotland's (SDS) Results Helpline, which opens from 8am on results day which is Tuesday, August 5. The SDS Results Helpline will once again be staffed by expert careers advisers to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps, providing impartial career information, advice, and guidance. The team of qualified advisers from Scotland's national skills agency will be at the end of the phone line to offer guidance on colleges and universities, UCAS Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and other training, volunteering, or staying on at school. The number for the 2025 SDS Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on August 5 and 6 and 9am to 5pm on August 7 and 8. Dave McCallum, Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations at SDS said: 'Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on their journey. 'Our experienced advisers are here to provide expert support and guidance, offering information on a wide range of options and opportunities. They are also trained to help young people recognise that they are more than their exam results, giving them the confidence to see their strengths and abilities beyond qualifications.' Local SDS Careers Adviser Louise Russell is part of the Results Helpline team who will be taking calls from young people, parents and carers from across the country. Louise said: 'Whether a young person didn't receive the results they were hoping for, or they exceeded their expectations, we are here to help them navigate the next steps and make the best decisions for their future.' The SDS Results Helpline has been going for 33 years and has helped tens of thousands of young Scots. There's also an SDS careers adviser linked to every secondary school in Scotland, with almost a quarter of a million school pupils from P7 to S6 receiving careers information, advice and guidance each year. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: 'Young people have so many different ways to achieve their qualifications, with many eagerly anticipating their results coming through next month. 'It is important that no matter how they do, young people and their families have access to trusted and reliable information on potential next steps. That is what the advisers at the Skills Development Scotland helpline provide. 'I would encourage everyone looking for impartial and expert advice on the options available, whether that is in work, training or further study, to consider contacting the helpline.' Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) helps young people get ready for the world of work by connecting them with employers and supporting them to explore a wide range of career pathways. DYW Co-ordinators are based in secondary schools across Scotland, working alongside SDS careers advisers to support pupils with their next steps. Michelle Fenwick, Director - DYW National Projects, said: 'As results are released, it's important that young people know there are many routes to success and that support is there for them. 'Through our #NoWrongPath campaign, and in partnership with SDS, we're helping young people understand that the world of work is full of opportunity. 'Whether a young person is going into further or higher education, training, employment or still considering their options – the Results Helpline is a great way to get guidance, reassurance, and a sense of direction.'
Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
West Lothian's population could grow to almost 200,000 within seven years
West Lothian's population could grow to almost 200,000 within seven years. A growing but ageing population is one of the key points from the first draft of the council's ten-year Economic Investment Plan. It is one of the few local authorities in the country that will see substantial growth into the 2030s, as Scotland's population remains largely static. But while a higher birth rate and net migration have been identified as the core reasons for the increase, the number of children is expected to fall. The report was delivered to a recent meeting of the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building PDSP. It predicts the county's population rising from its current 181,000 to 196,000 by 2032. Growth brings its own problems, with increasing demand on housing and health care – not least because of the rising numbers of elderly. However, the report added a cautionary note, highlighting that population projections published prior to the latest census in 2022 saw population figures in West Lothian over-estimated by approximately 6,000 – and future projections could also be overestimated as a result. The report outlined that while West Lothian's working age population is projected to grow by 8% in the decade to 2028, its retired population is forecast to grow by 44%, and those aged 75 or over by 39%. West Lothian's child population is forecast to decline by around 5% over the same period. Skills Development Scotland, a Scottish Government agency, has produced figures on the dependency ratio, which compares the number of those of non-working age – that is, those aged 0-15 and 65+, in comparison to those of working age, 16-64 . The dependency ratio in West Lothian is currently in line with that of the rest of Scotland at 56% but the ratio is expected to be slightly above the Scottish level of 60% – confirming a growing ageing of the population in West Lothian. Another of the key changes in the ageing demographic is the demand for housing. The new Local Development Plan is currently being drawn up. One of the main demands in public consultation on future house building has been the need for more diversity, including more bungalows, and single level living – especially in areas such as Livingston. A council spokesperson said that wider public consultation plans are being drawn up by the council asking people for their views on housing and health care provision. Councillors welcomed the initial draft of the economic plan and wanted more detail. Jim Henderson, the council's Business Development Manager stressed that the Economic Investment Plant was a 'live' document which would be regularly updated. He added that the key to development in the next decade was partnerships with both the national government and the Third Sector as well as external investors. Further reports are expected to be delivered in the Autumn. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
West Lothian's population could grow to almost 200,000 within seven years
A growing, but ageing population is one of the key points from the first draft of the council's ten year Economic Investment Plan. West Lothian's population could grow to almost 200,000 within seven years. A growing, but ageing population is one of the key points from the first draft of the council's ten year Economic Investment Plan. It is one of the few local authorities in the country that will see substantial growth into the 2030s, as Scotland's population remains largely static. But while a higher birth rate and net migration have been identified as the core reasons for the increase, the number of children is expected to fall. The report was delivered to a recent meeting of the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building PDSP. It predicts the county's population rising from its current 181,000 to 196,000 by 2032. Growth brings its own problems, with increasing demand on housing and health care - not least because of the rising numbers of elderly. However, the report added a cautionary note, highlighting that population projections published prior to the latest census in 2022 saw population figures in West Lothian over-estimated by approximately 6,000 - and future projections could also be overestimated as a result. The report outlined that while West Lothian's working age population is projected to grow by 8% in the decade to 2028, its retired population is forecast to grow by 44%, and those aged 75 or over by 39%. West Lothian's child population is forecast to decline by around 5% over the same period. Skills Development Scotland, a Scottish Government agency, has produced figures on the dependency ratio, which compares the number of those of non-working age - that is, those aged 0-15 and 65+, in comparison to those of working age, 16-64 . The dependency ratio in West Lothian is currently in line with that of the rest of Scotland at 56% but the ratio is expected to be slightly above the Scottish level of 60% - confirming a growing ageing of the population in West Lothian. Another of the key changes in the ageing demographic is the demand for housing. The new Local Development Plan is currently being drawn up. One of the main demands in public consultation on future house building has been the need for more diversity, including more bungalows, and single level living - especially in areas such as Livingston. A council spokesperson said that wider public consultation plans are being drawn up by the council asking people for their views on housing and health care provision. Councillors welcomed the initial draft of the economic plan and wanted more detail. Jim Henderson, the council's Business Development Manager stressed that the Economic Investment Plant was a 'live' document which would be regularly updated. He added that the key to development in the next decade was partnerships with both the national government and the Third Sector as well as external investors. Further reports are expected to be delivered in the Autumn.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Equipping leaders of tomorrow with the skills to unlock growth
However, adversity breeds ingenuity and no other industry is as well set up as ours to innovate. To do this, we must rewire how we think about leadership. Often people are promoted into management positions because they excelled at their previous role. Previous success in sales, operations, manufacturing or quality control testing, does not necessarily translate into having the skills you need to lead effectively. The Chartered Management Institute calls this phenomenon "accidental managers". As part of their new role, and this can apply right across the Scottish economy, new leaders should be equipped with the frameworks and skills that will allow them to build strong, empowered teams that deliver greater business value and impact. I believe we need a leadership skills accelerator that can practically upskill managers within a short timeframe. Delivered through a partnership between industry and academia, the accelerator could become a recognised benchmark for excellence, future-proofing talent pipelines and elevating Scotland's international profile in life sciences. I envisage it offering intensive, hands-on, real-world training, ensuring future managers understand the role of a leader and possess the strategic thinking necessary to succeed. Not only would this deliver growth in the quality of our people, it would also raise health, safety and quality standards which are so vital to the life sciences sector. Importantly, it would foster the innovation and collaboration required to streamline our manufacturing processes and research, combatting the commercial challenges posed by macroeconomic forces. This is vital in industries where innovation moves quickly and regulatory landscapes can continually change. Organisations like the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service, Skills Development Scotland and others already offer valuable practical leadership training. With a compact geography, engaged and connected industry leaders and strong and active support from the Scottish Government, this could be improved and rolled out relatively easily, turning our accidental managers into intentional leaders. This is something I'm passionate about and we are committed to as an organisation with continued focus on training and development for our people. But more can be done at an industry level to ingrain this mindset for future generations. When so often we are talking about the lack of growth in the Scottish and UK economy, investing in leadership could help unlock productivity gains and even drive export growth, ultimately delivering the results our public finances needs. But effective leadership is not just good for the country's bottom line. It is critical for national resilience, especially in the face of current geopolitical instability and recent public health crises. Greig Rooney CMgr FCMI is the Managing Director of Valneva Scotland Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
