Some key issues for employment and skills planning in Scotland : a review of emerging evidence

Thom, Graham and Mackay, Susan (2015) Some key issues for employment and skills planning in Scotland : a review of emerging evidence. Fraser of Allander Economic Commentary, 39 (2). pp. 112-121. ISSN 2046-5378

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Abstract

This paper draws on evidence from the first set of Regional Skills Assessments produced for lowland Scotland to highlight some issues for skills policy and planning. Scotland has an ageing population and this is set to accelerate over the coming decade. Forecast employment and population changes point to a potential mismatch between future labour supply and demand in Scotland. The shifting industrial and occupational structure of Scotland has implications for the level and type of qualifications that individuals will need in order to access future job opportunities. Changes in population and the economy will require careful consideration of the right scale and mix of post-16 education and skills provision. This is a key issue that policy makers, public agencies and local and national governments must address if Scotland is to effectively maintain its productive potential in the face of a declining working age population.

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