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Strengthening Scotland's economy
02/06/2009
The Scottish Cabinet today welcomed lifelong learning partners to Bute House to discuss how to ensure Scotland's workforce is equipped with the necessary training and skills to attract investment, safeguard jobs, and deliver a strong economic recovery.
Representatives from Lifelong Learning organisations delivered a pre-Cabinet presentation to Government Ministers setting out their ideas on establishing a diverse skills base with a strong flow of knowledge creation and exploitation.
These include:
- Willy Roe, Chair of Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
- John McClelland, Chair of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC)
- Dr Janet Lowe, Chair of Joint SDS/SFC Skills Committee
- Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor Heriot Watt University, Convener of Universities Scotland
- Professor Bernard King, Principal and Vice Chancellor University of Abertay Dundee, Vice Convener of Universities Scotland
- Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of Strathclyde University
- Linda McTavish, Convener of Scotland's Colleges Principals' Convention and Principal of Anniesland College
- John Burt, Member of Scotland's Colleges Principals' Convention, and Principal of Angus College
The meeting was the third in a series of Cabinet discussions with social partners. Business organisations, Lifelong Learning stakeholders, the STUC, local government, the third sector and Scotland's Faith Groups, and the Secretary of State have been invited to share their views directly in the form of a presentation.
This follows the success of last year's drive to allow Cabinet to hear the views and concerns of wider Scottish society, which saw Cabinet travel to different parts of the country for a series of National Conversation forums.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"The Scottish Government is doing all we can to ensure strong economic recovery at this critical time.
"As we drive forward work to develop and expand programmes to strengthen Scotland's economy, it's important we listen and consider the views of our social partners.
"It's essential we work together to ensure everyone can access the training and skills required to help them fulfil their potential and contribute to Scotland's economic success.
"I am delighted to welcome Lifelong Learning stakeholders to Bute House to present their ideas to the Scottish Ministerial team. They play a central part in our collective response to the economic downturn. Working together we can identify opportunities to capitalise on Scotland's competitive advantages and strengths and ensure strong economic recovery at this critical time."