Chemical Sciences Scotland Conference 2009
Skills Topic Group

The three themes raised from the conference are core to the implementation plan developed by the Skills Group and its sub groups (curriculum development, workforce development, careers and profile & engagement).  Each will look at the priorities set by the conference and ensure the plans are altered to include these issues.  Upskilling in accordance with the needs of industry has always been and will remain a core issue for the provider network and Sector Skills Councils.  The challenge of delivering smaller, modularised training is significant but the group will endeavour to deliver this through the curriculum and workforce development groups.  Industry engagement already happens in a multitude of ways by both academic and industry bodies.  The careers group will endeavour to create a coordinated approach which will combine resources to greater effect rather that sporadic initiatives which, while excellent, have a short term impact rather that the sustained influence that a coordinated and long term campaign supported by all partners could achieve.

The development of support for the industry from government and its agencies is an area in which CSS and the Skills Group is already engaged.  While chemical sciences is not specifically identified as one of the Scottish Governments priority industries, it is recognised by Scottish Enterprise as an important sector in its own right and as an industry that is significant in terms of priority skills and impact on the Scottish economy. 

The Skills Group, which contains representatives from employers, colleges, universities, schools, careers service and sector skills councils, in partnership with the other CSS strategic groups, will continue to influence government and press the stakeholder agencies to make sure the issues we face are high on their agenda and the solutions supported.

• Upskilling and short developmental courses/seminars to cater for operational flexibility and progression needs. The content should cover both technical and business requirements with various modes of delivery including internal training, best practice sharing seminars and taught courses.

• A coordinated programme of industry engagement with education and the career guidance system.  This should include engagement with teachers and lecturers, a suite of pupil/student engagement programmes and development of contextualised learning aids.  Industry wide and coordinated support for Science Ambassador programmes which promote careers, and career progression, in the science industries not just individual jobs.

• Developing government and stakeholder support for skills development issues.  Creating partnerships that will ensure the skills are embedded within the chemical sciences industry to ensure its contribution to the Scottish economy.

Linda McKay, Skills Topic Group Chair