By Professor Joe Little

Scotland’s colleges are at a critical juncture. Over the past few months, I’ve worked closely with Colleges Scotland, which represents all 24 colleges, to explore how this vital sector can meet the challenges ahead. I’m a Futurist, and my pdf report(371 KB) , published today, draws on global trends and signals to assess the urgent changes required in vocational and technical education in Scotland.

In short: 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 also transforming fast. 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. I previously co-authored the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint for the Scottish Government. As with that research, for colleges I was keen to look at not what current best practice in Scotland or the UK is, but what is considered ‘World Class Technical Vocational Education and Training Delivery’ as I believe that provides more valuable benchmark. But what does world class look like?

It starts with colleges being at the heart of government priorities - priorities which are set in consultation with employers to help connect what the economy needs to the education and training on offer. Countries that are doing well at providing great vocational training are often funding their colleges from their Economy portfolio, or equivalent departments. This instantly clarifies that colleges provide skilled workers who add to economic growth and enhance national prosperity.

World class is also about esteem – at the top of the league, colleges are recognised and valued politically and socially, by the media and by parliamentarians, as part and parcel of critical infrastructure which supports economic growth. There is alignment with economic policy and recognition of the social role that colleges play in their communities.

Around the world, vocational systems are modernising at pace. Colleges are pivoting to blended, immersive, employer-led models. Online learning, AI, and credentials aligned to business needs are now standard. High-performing colleges in other countries partner closely with industry, and have centralised core digital and innovation functions. Colleges are marketing their courses internationally to bring in additional income, and gain financial sustainability, and again listening closely to what employers and students want.

World class also means that in the classroom hands-on learning is balanced with digital access with great online blended learning offers, suited to both the learner and employer.

And as organisations, colleges that are thriving in other places are resilient, nimble, and recognised for what they truly are: engines of transformation. Currently, however, colleges in Scotland are in survival mode.

But Scotland could turn this around. To do this, colleges need greater and more stable investment and stronger recognition politically for the work they do for individuals, families, employers and communities. The economic and social impact of colleges should also be much more highly recognised.

The themes I’ve reported on are already happening. The future is now.

I’m clear this future should include colleges at the heart of a world-class technical vocational education and training system in Scotland.

Professor Joe Little is the Digital Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Stirling