This conference will focus on next steps for skills and apprenticeships in Scotland, as reform of post-school education and skills progresses alongside changes to funding, delivery and oversight.
This conference will focus on next steps for skills and apprenticeships in Scotland, as reform of post-school education and skills progresses alongside changes to funding, delivery and oversight. Areas for discussion include implementation and accountability across the reformed system, the sustainability and responsiveness of skills provision, apprenticeship funding and participation, alignment with regional and sectoral workforce needs, and qualifications and learner progression.
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to discuss priorities arising from the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026, the findings of Audit Scotland’s June 2026 report on post-school education and skills reform, the independent Fit for the Future report, and commitments set out in the SNP 2026 Manifesto.
Attendees will consider the delivery plan for reform, including sequencing, governance, programme capacity and measures of success, as responsibilities are transferred and new arrangements developed. Discussion will also assess what will be needed to maintain continuity for learners, employers and providers, while establishing clear accountability across The Scottish Government, Skills Development Scotland, the Scottish Funding Council and other bodies involved in delivery.