• a national approach to deliver information, advice and guidance services

• a coherent range of training to better meet the needs of individuals and employers

• better engagement with employers on skills development

• an improved focus on skills development, nationally, regionally and locally.

Ms Hyslop said:

“Achieving sustainable economic growth for Scotland is a key aim for this Scottish Government. To do this we must ensure we have a workforce equipped with the skills which businesses need.  “Our Skills Strategy, Skills for Scotland, sets out the direction for skills development. This focuses on developing people’s skills, addressing employers’ demand for skills and developing cohesive structures for skills delivery. 

“I am also pleased to announce that Willy Roe will be the first chairman of Skills Development Scotland  “He will bring a range of leadership experience in the public sector combined with a passion and ideas for the development of skills.  “He will also be appointed as the Scotland Commissioner for the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. “I would like to thank Billy Allan who has, so ably, filled the  chairman’s role on an interim basis.  “This is an exciting time for skills in Scotland. I have set out a clear vision and principles for Skills Development Scotland and these will guide it in its work to be a catalyst for real and positive change in Scotland’s skills performance.”

Willy Roe commented,

“I'm delighted to be appointed as the first Chair of Skills Development Scotland, which has a pivotal role to play in achieving the Government's purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth. Change and innovation will be our big themes over next few years, as we set high ambitions for future success.

For further information, please visit their website : www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk