Planning for skill

I noted with interest your editorial commenting on the challenge ahead in terms of rising youth unemployment, coupled with the opportunities arising from the green energy revolution (8 November).

The Scottish Government has suggested that renewables and the wider low-carbon economy could provide up to 130,000 jobs for Scotland, and here is clearly a massive opportunity for new employment streams for many of our young people.

As the employers’ voice in the skills system, we are working closely with schools, universities and colleges to ensure that these opportunities are known and promoted through the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as supporting the delivery of additional Modern Apprenticeships.

We will shortly be publishing our Labour Market Intelligence reports, highlighting the employment opportunities of today and those anticipated in the future, making our young people aware of these.

It is through the public and private sectors working together that we will ensure our young people have the necessary skills, delivering the right number of workers at the right time.

Jacqui Hepburn

Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland

Castle Street

Edinburgh