A new report has highlighted a number of quickly changing global influences which are likely to alter future vocational education and training at colleges.

Professor Joe Little, a specialist in future signals for businesses and education and Digital Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Stirling, researched the trends including fast-paced changes where education is delivered, the impact of AI and digital, and the need for people to change careers many times during their working life.

Professor Little said: “My report draws on global trends and signals to assess the urgent changes required in vocational and technical education in Scotland.

“In essence what I see is that Scotland’s current model of skills, vocational, and technical education delivery requires urgent reform in light of global challenges. This isn’t a radical view - James Withers’ 2023 review of skills provision, along with insights from students, employers, and politicians, all point to the same conclusion.

“The scale of change we face globally is immense. From artificial intelligence and climate disruption to demographic shifts and youth mental health pressures, the world of work is changing very quickly. There’s a skills shortage for people in middle to later life, coupled with the rapid pace of change that jobs and roles are going through.  Nearly half of current jobs could vanish or evolve in the next decade.

“Colleges in Scotland are the beating heart of skills delivery. Looking around the world at what’s happening in other countries, Scotland’s colleges have some great opportunities to grasp if the funding environment is right.

 Read    pdf A Vision for the Delivery of Skills, Vocational, and Technical Education(371 KB)

Gavin Donoghue, CEO of Colleges Scotland, said: “The insights from Professor Little’s report are very much in line with other major reports published recently, and which all point to the increasing need for skills training across Scotland.

“This report recognises the importance of colleges in providing essential national skills training, and the direct ties between successful economic growth and the provision of key skills within the workforce.

“Colleges are the skills engines of the Scottish economy, and are our country’s key institutions for the delivery of industry-ready qualifications, skills and training for vital economic sector’s today and into the future.”