The ongoing problem of skills shortages was the focus of much attention in June. Their impact on recruitment, staff workload, business output, profitability and growth, and even the ability to meet net zero targets and manage energy costs, is highlighted in a range of reports, including: The Open University’s annual Business Barometer Scottish Government’s Scottish […]
This edition marks 10 years since the first issue of Informed Scotland! As long-standing subscribers and followers know, each year at this point I like to remind us all that in May 2012 youth unemployment in Scotland stood at a miserable 23.1%. It currently stands at a much improved 5.6%, which looks even more impressive when […]
Issue 100 includes key Covid-19 guidance and announcements up to 5 May. With the Easter break in April and local government elections approaching, it was a relatively quiet month for learning & skills, with no major announcements. There are a number of items worth highlighting, however: The Open University’s report with Public Sector Executive on […]
Issue 99 includes key Covid-19 guidance and announcements up to 11 April. The hottest learning & skills topic in March was Prof Ken Muir’s eagerly anticipated report for school education reforms: the replacement of the SQA, the reform of Education Scotland and removal of its inspection function. We’ve provided subscribers with a helpful Annex containing […]
February was a relatively calm month in learning & skills terms. The most significant item was the report of the ‘comprehensive, end-to-end’ review of career services commissioned by Skills Development Scotland a year ago. The Scottish Government has given the green light to all ten recommendations, so the Career Review Programme Board is now taking […]
Issue 97 includes key Covid-19 guidance and announcements up to and including 10 February. Closing the poverty-related attainment gap continues to be a stubborn problem. Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels 2020/21 reported that the attainment gap in literacy and numeracy for primary pupils had increased. And the National Improvement Framework Interactive Evidence Report showed […]
Which learning & skills topics appeared on the most covers of Informed Scotland over the past year? Here’s the ninth annual list. =1. COVID-19 – impact, support & recovery (1 in 2020) =1. Digital skills & inclusion (3) =1. Skills shortages & gaps – upskilling, reskilling & recovery (=5) =4. Developing & supporting the young […]
AJ Enterprises has been busy throughout another challenging year. Angela was fortunate to continue to work with and support some fabulous clients, associates and coworkers. Informed Scotland subscribers were kept up to date with learning & skills across the landscape, including the impact of Covid-19. As well as the monthly digests, I published a Scottish […]
Issue 96 includes key Covid-19 guidance up to and including 10 December. Wellbeing was a main theme across the learning & skills landscape in November. Organisations are examining or aiming to support the (mental, physical and/or social) wellbeing of children & young people, students at various ages and stages, or teachers, lecturers and academics. For […]
Issue 95 includes key Covid-19 guidance up to and including 5 November. October was a quieter month than usual for learning & skills – the slimmest edition of Informed Scotland since October 2019 is testimony to that. Reviews and reforms are occupying minds across the landscape. Skills Development Scotland published research and white papers to […]