WIREDGOV

Almost two thirds of Scots developing their skills in the workplace. 

Scotland’s employers are doing more to develop the skills of their staff in comparison with the rest of the UK, a survey has found.

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) have published detailed findings for Scotland as part of their UK employer skills survey, which included the following results:

• 65 per cent of employees received training – this is up from 58 per cent in 2011 and higher in comparison with the rest of the UK
• 81 per cent of employers believe they have a fully proficient workforce
• The majority of employers find education leavers prepared for work – school leavers (65 per cent), college leavers (78 per cent) and university leavers (85 per cent).

Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment, Angela Constance said:

“The results from the UKCES skills survey demonstrates that Scotland’s employers recognise the benefits young people can bring to their business and I am very encouraged that their experience of recruiting school and college leavers has been so positive. Our graduates are also leading the way, with more going into employment or further study than in any other part of the UK according to a recent ONS report.

“While employers are positive about the readiness of the young people they are recruiting, we recognise that we can always do more to help our young people prepare for the workplace and through our response to the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, we are working to create a world class system of vocational training.

“We announced £4.5 million investment last month and continue to work closely with partners underlining our commitment to delivering on the Commission’s blueprint to ensure that every young woman and man in Scotland has the best possible chance to succeed and that having a young workforce that is both enthusiastic and well trained contributes directly to Scotland’s economic growth.”

Notes To Editors

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills 2013 UK Employer Skills Survey can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukces-employer-skills-survey-2013