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Skills improvement strategy
19/06/2009
A strategy to encourage employers to improve the use of skills in the workplace was published today by the Scottish Government.
It outlines how the Scottish Government, business representatives organisations, Sector Skills Councils, the STUC, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and others will increase awareness of the relevance and benefits of better skills use and of the range of workplace practices that help increase productivity and job satisfaction.
Microsoft and BT Scotland have also vowed to work together to pilot new communications approaches to get the message out to employers and to inform the development of future strategies.
Education and Lifelong Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:
"We, in Scotland, have the potential as a nation to do much more with the skills available to us. We have to unlock that potential and improve how skills interact with the other drivers of productivity, such as capital investment and innovation.
"However, if we are to create a more successful country, with opportunities for all to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth we need to make better use of our skills base.
"The Scottish Government is committed to helping people improve their skills and we invest billions of pounds each year in the lifelong learning system.
"It is a clear sign of the importance of skills that the Business in Parliament event is today discussing Innovating for the Upturn.
"Firms will only reap the full benefits of skills investment when workplaces fully enable staff to also use their skills effectively.
"Improving the use of skills is a long-term challenge that requires urgent attention. It is not something that Government alone can achieve. I am therefore absolutely delighted to be working together with business and trade unions leaders on this.
"The Scottish Government as an employer is taking action to make better use of the skills of our own staff. Not only will this improve the delivery and efficiency of our services, it demonstrates our commitment to 'walk the walk' ourselves."
Raymond O'Hare, Director Microsoft Scotland, said:
"For many years now, Microsoft has focused on helping people and organisations to realise their full potential; and of course technology can play a huge part in achieving this.
"However, our most pressing need is to focus on Scotland's biggest asset, our people, and ensure that they have, or are in the process of developing, the appropriate skills to meet the tough economic challenges of the next decade. How we utilise the skills of our people will define our future success as an economy and a country."
In his capacity as Chairman of the Institute of Directors Scotland, Mr O'Hare added:
"The broad range of skills which exist within Scotland, and how we utilise and develop them over the coming years to meet economic, government and community challenges; will ultimately decide our economic success on a global basis. Will Scotland be a leader or a follower?
"We can be a leader if we focus on, optimising our skills base now, but also on identifying and developing what skills we need in the future to drive growth and prosperity in the appropriate sectors and markets. Every person and organisation in Scotland needs to focus on this as a priority "
Brendan Dick, Director of BT Scotland, said:
"Skills utilisation has never been more important than now. Scotland's economic success depends on organisations, and individuals, getting the most out of the skills we produce as a nation to ensure our competitiveness in a global economy and, importantly, the creation of a society where every individual feels they are contributing to maximum effect, whatever they do."
Grahame Smith, General Secretary of the STUC, said:
"The STUC welcomes this report which represents an important milestone along the road to effective skills utilization in Scotland.
"We now look forward to working with the Scottish Government and partner organisations to deliver the report's recommendations."
Paul Gray, Director of Change and Corporate Services for the Scottish Government, said:
"Skills utilisation is a key component of the Scottish Government's approach to staff learning and development. We are committed to optimising the way we use and develop the skills of all our people, because the more effectively we use our skills, the more we can contribute to sustainable economic growth for Scotland."