Skills for Growth

Background Skills for Growth is a key SDS project under two Goals - Enable people to fulfil their potential and make skills work for employers The project aims to deliver an improved service offering built around the skills development needs of the employer and employees. It will not be limited to services provided by SDS and will be flexible in its delivery, allowing for local and sectoral needs to be reflected in the service offered. There are 3 phases 1.Customer insight and literature review (completed) 2.Repurpose our existing web channel (by end Feb 2010) 3.Development of the core offer (by end Oct 2010)

Definition Skills for Growth will deliver a robust, multi-channel approach which sets out clear information and guidance channels, value propositions and progression routes which will deliver real and positive change to employers and people within the workplace. We help businesses get the best out of their people We help businesses focus on their peoples strength to increase performance through better motivation, engagement and retention We give businesses greater confidence to invest in people development and focus spend and effort where it matters most We help businesses make better recruitment decisions We help business engage with the implications of change on their employees We work with businesses to build greater understanding about how learning and development build to business success

Phase 1 – Customer insight / literature review A comprehensive review of legacy, current and partner intelligence and policy relating to how services have been, and should be, delivered to employers and people in work: 1.Customer Insight – a literature review which will provide a definitive customer needs statement based on extensive existing employer and stakeholder consultation and research. 2.Systems and Tools - Analysis of existing web-based services, support and diagnostic tools aimed at employers. 3.Funding and Frameworks - Analysis of current and historic good practice to formulate options for funding and other support to employers.

Phase 1 - Outputs The review highlighted ten key service principles on which we must develop our approach: 1.Simple, accessible information on available training; 2.Focused, personalised training advice and support; 3.Demonstration of the value of training and introduction of ROI measures; 4.Development of peer to peer channels of advice; 5.Recognition of the value of face to face intervention to sustain & measure progression. 6.Provision of interactive channels (web and telephone); 7.Funding assistance alongside focused advice and guidance; 8.A modified Modern Apprenticeship programme; 9.Unified, accessible qualification framework; and 10.Plain language, streamlined processes and minimised bureaucracy. The outputs from the literature review will provide a framework from which we will build product and service prototypes using a service design approach

Phase 2 - Interim employer website The creation of a single employer-facing website to align with the redesign of our corporate site. This will involve a refresh of existing employer content, with key products and services mapped to our brand proposition. Repurposing of existing offers around compelling value propositions Integration and alignment across all SDS services Single ‘gateway’ for all SDS employer services Incorporate outputs from phase 1 and build in systems/tools and funding/framework applications where appropriate Incorporate links to partner offers Interface with TalentMap (UK Commission for Employment and Skills)TalentMap

Phase 3 – Develop & deliver core offer Co-creation: Development and trialling of prototypes with service users and partners A web-based Skills for Growth service is available for individuals and businesses throughout Scotland (not just an information portal, but a dynamic ‘toolkit’ designed to identify real needs and offer relevant solutions) Build capacity - Support mechanisms through telephone and face-to-face channels (direct or indirect) improved opportunities for employed customers to progress within work new pathways to skills and qualifications through occupationally focused learning for customers new relationships with our network of partners, including Scotland’s colleges, Scottish Training Federation, Scottish Training Action Group and Sector Skills Councils refreshed approach to funding work-based learning improved skills utilisation within businesses

Skills for Growth and the GES sectors

SDS – next steps (Service Design and Innovation) Key taskTimeline Phase 1 review and policy steerJan 2010 Final project approval and project team allocatedJan 2010 Interim employer website launchFeb 2010 Employer and industry consultation (Development and Trials)Feb - Jul 2010 Employer and industry consultation (User testing)Jul – Oct 2010 Application development – product enhancement (web, NLOD, diagnostics etc.) Feb – Aug 2010 Capacity building – web / telephone / face to face channelsFeb – Sep 2010 Skills for Growth launchOct 2010

Skills for Growth is not intended to be a static solution to fix a definite problem or need. Instead it will be our shop window, offering a changing set of tools and support services that will evolve over time in line with market conditions and economic priorities.