New year, new skills

5th January 2014

Minister to host business events across Scotland.

Minister for Learning Alasdair Allan will host a series of business events to discuss the benefits of Curriculum for Excellence to employers.

Building on successful events organised with Ayrshire and Glasgow Chambers of Commerce, business meetings will be arranged in early 2014. They will help to strengthen links between employers and schools by providing more detail on the National Qualifications and range of skills and experiences young people will leave S4 with this year.

Dr Allan said:“Young people across Scotland will be leaving school for the first time this year with national qualifications and experiences that reflect the skills and knowledge they have gained under Curriculum for Excellence.

“We have already done a lot of work to ensure parents know about the improvements to Scottish education. However as the people who make decisions about future employees, it is important that business leaders also understand the benefits of Curriculum for Excellence and have an opportunity to ask any questions about the changes.

“That is why I will host a number of business events around Scotland this year, giving employers the opportunity to find out more about the new national qualifications, how the education system is better preparing young people for the world of work and how they can link more directly with local schools”

Education Secretary Michael Russell hosted a business meeting with Glasgow Chambers of Commerce and Dr Allan hosted an event in Ayrshire at the end of last year. A number of similar events are being organised for 2014, including business events. Dates and locations will be confirmed shortly.

Current S4 pupils will earn new national qualifications – including National 4 and national 5 – this August. These qualifications reflect the changes made through Curriculum for Excellence.