Skillset Scotland double triumph at the Scottish Skills Awards
Skillset Scotland celebrated double success at the Scottish Skills Awards ceremony after winning two of the five award categories presented. Skillset picked up the Organisation that has had the Most Significant Impact in its Sector in Scotland and the Collective Partnership that has had the Most Significant Impact in its Sector in Scotland awards which were presented by Allan Wilson MSP, the Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning.
The "Organisation that has had the Most Significant Impact on its Sector" Award highlighted the work that Skillset has undertaken in the implementation of its Sector Skills Agreement in Scotland, including the development of a ground-breaking strategic partnership agreement with Scottish Screen.
The judges' verdict on this category was that:
"Skillset comprehensively met each of the criteria and made a significant difference across various parts of their sector and indeed across Scotland. They can be commended on the difference they have made to the employers in their sector, encouraging fresh ideas towards the training procedures within these organisations."
The second award for Skillset Scotland, "Collective partnership that has had the most significant impact on its sector" was for the innovative initiative, Determined to Broadcast. This is a double-decker bus housing a fully working radio production studio, touring Scotland's secondary schools. In addition to offering radio production skills, other elements of the curriculum are developed with skills such as communication, team working, IT and building self confidence being nurtured.
The judges' verdict was that:
"In a hard-fought category this partnership stood out as highlighting the benefits of engagement at all levels, from school pupils to teachers, industry experts to government advisers, charitable foundations to commercial companies..."
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset said:
"We are delighted that these awards acknowledge the hard work being undertaken by Skillset and the industry to raise the skills game in Scotland through our strong partnerships with the Scottish Executive and the public agencies in Scotland."
Alasdair Smith, Skillset Scotland and Northern Ireland Director said:
"Skillset Scotland is supporting, directly and indirectly, a far greater proportion of the workforce than ever before. With the phenomenal success of our initiatives, we are ensuring the sustainability and continuing growth and success of our industries for future generations."
-ENDS-
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE: Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editors
- Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries
Sector Skills Alliance Scotland (SSAScot) Sector Skills Alliance Scotland (SSAScot.) was formed in January 2003, in the place of the Scottish Council of National Training Organisations (SCONTO). SSAScot endeavours to achieve its vision of being a leading authority on lifelong learning issues in Scotland, through providing a forum for the exchange of information on skills issues and to promote awareness and understanding of Sector Skills Councils and Sector Skills Bodies. SSAScot works both within the Skills for Business Network, with the Sector Skills Bodies and between the network and the wider stakeholder arena. It facilitates the work of both the Sector Skills Councils and Sector Skills Bodies in Scotland.
Sector Skills Agreements (SSA) are a government endorsed initiative to ensure that the education and skills system more closely meets the real needs and demands of industry. Skillset's SSA has been developed by Skillset in partnership with employers, unions, trade organisations, colleges and universities, funding bodies, qualifications authorities and public agency partners. Skillset has also produced separate SSA's for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Determined to Broadcast is scheduled to run until March 2008, delivering training to around 3,000 young people, in partnership with Scottish Executive, Neon Productions, Radio Clyde, Cash for Kids, The Hunter Foundation, and Stagecoach.
