Meeting of the Parliament 12 March 2026 [Draft]
The member raises important points. I should note to the Parliament that I met the sector this year to discuss many of these issues. I am aware of the contribution that the sectors make, not just through my role as a Scottish Government minister but in my capacity as a constituency member.
The Scottish Government is developing a new skills planning model and is working with key partners to identify sectors of focus and skills priorities and to set out expectations for the post-school system with regard to meeting Scotland’s future skills needs. I draw members’ attention to the letter that I sent to the Education, Children and Young People Committee on 27 February that sets out, in general terms, how that work will progress. More will be said on that in the near future.
Engineering is one of the key areas emerging as a focus in the initial work on skills planning. My officials are engaging with stakeholders on that to ensure that we work together to deliver the skills that those sectors and the wider economy will need.