Scottish Labour wants to overhaul Scotland’s skills system

The party has pledged plans to make sure every pupil has access to skills and careers advice, and prepare young people for modern industries and growing sectors.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar addresses delegates during the STUC conference in the Caird Hall, Dundee. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “For too many young people, the promise of a good future is being held back by a skills system that is out of date and out of touch.

“Not content just to downgrade the exam results of working-class children, the SNP is now failing to prepare young people for the world of work.

“Analogue John and the SNP are out of ideas and it means young people are losing out on opportunity, employers are struggling to recruit and Scotland is paying the price.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar addresses delegates during the STUC conference in the Caird Hall, Dundee. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

The party manifesto pledges a skills for schools programme linking every school with local workplaces, industry work placements and certified work experience for every secondary school pupil, and a digital skills passport to record the experience.

Scottish Labour would also introduce Scottish industry standards to connect school subjects to career pathways, and support colleges and universities to offer more skills-based modules and industrial placements.

Sarwar continued: “I’m standing to fix the mess, get the basics right and build a better future for Scotland.

“A Scottish Labour government I lead will make sure every young person gets proper skills and careers advice, meaningful work experience, stronger links to local employers and the digital skills they need for the modern economy.

“We will link schools and workplaces, help young people see a future for themselves here in Scotland, and make sure education opens doors instead of closing them.

“That is how we create opportunity for the next generation and deliver the skills system Scotland needs."

The SNP has been approached for comment.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, to make a statement in the House of Commons. (Image: Stefan Rousseau)

It comes after Sarwar previously said that a vote for Scottish Labour is not an endorsement of Keir Starmer.

Sarwar’ made the comments on Monday as Sir Keir Starmer was set to face MPs over the ongoing scandal surrounding the vetting of former US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

The Scottish Labour leader in February called for Sir Keir to quit and, speaking to the STUC Congress in Dundee on Monday, said there had been “too many mistakes” made by the UK Government.

He added: “I know that people have frustrations and disappointments, and I share them.

“There are many good things, but also too many mistakes.

“So, let me be clear, a vote for Scottish Labour in this election is not an endorsement of Keir Starmer. It’s about who is first minister."