JENNY GILRUTH MSP DEBATES FUTURE OF SCOTTISH SKILLS SYSTEM
Published date : 20 Apr 2017
MID FIFE & GLENROTHES MSP PARTICIPATES IN EVENT HOSTED BY IPPR SCOTLAND
Mid Fife & Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth participated in a cross-party debate on the future challenges and opportunities of Scotland’s skills system at an event hosted by IPPR Scotland at Dynamic Earth on Wednesday.
Representatives from skills agencies and education experts were invited to quiz the panel in a ‘Question Time’-styled debate. The event followed the publication of the Equipping Scotland for the Future: Key Challenges for the Scottish Skills System report from IPPR Scotland.
The Mid Fife & Glenrothes MSP debated with Conservative MSP Jamie Greene, Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott, Labour MSP Daniel Johnson and Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer in Dynamic Earth’s Biosphere. The debate was chaired by Julia Belgutay from the Times Educational Supplement Scotland.
Drawing on her many years of teaching experience, Jenny discussed the ways in which further integration of Scotland’s education system with skills development could help to support Scotland’s future economic and social needs and support local people to thrive in an ever-changing work environment.
Commenting on the event, Jenny Gilruth MSP, said:
“It’s been great to take part in the IPPR Scotland debate. As a former teacher, I believe it’s hugely important that we make sure our education sector is linked with skills development. We need to ensure people are aware of the fantastic opportunities available to them, and schools and colleges could be an effective gateway to skilled apprenticeships and work.
“The local industries in Mid Fife & Glenrothes have changed drastically over the years and will continue to evolve. Industrial production is becoming more automated while many local traders are moving online. We need to make sure that local people are aware of the opportunities and support available to learn new skills, so that they can thrive and feel ready for the future.
“The Scottish Government has done great work with Skills Development Scotland and other bodies to develop these skills, with 13,855 modern apprenticeships in Fife over the last ten years and 37,000 young people going through an apprenticeship in Scotland today. I hope to support this work further and I’m delighted to be able to contribute to this important debate.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The IPPR is the Institute for Public Policy & Research. IPPR Scotland is IPPR’s cross-party progress think-tank for Scotland based in Edinburgh.
More information on IPPR Scotland can be found at www.IPPR.org/scotland.
For further information – contact Jenny Gilruth MSP – 01592 764815
Jenny.Gilruth.MSP@parliament.scot
Local Reporters, EDUCATION
