Skills plan will help boost job chances

A skills plan to increase job opportunities for people across the Tay Cities Region has been launched for the first time.

The skills investment plan for the Tay Cities Region focuses on the skills needs of people and businesses across Perth and Kinross, Angus, Dundee, and north east Fife.

Developed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) alongside a range of partners including local authorities, colleges and universities, the plan will inform delivery of the Tay Cities Region

Deal, which includes funding of up to £20 million from Scottish Government towards skills and employability.

The plan focuses on ensuring more people have the skills to access high-quality jobs in the key and growth sectors that drive the region’s economy and features a broad range of measures.

The plan was welcomed by business, fair work and skills minister Jamie Hepburn.

He said:“The Scottish Government has committed up to £20m towards developing skills and employability through the Tay Cities Deal, and this plan is fundamental to ensuring that investment boosts fair work, inclusive growth and productivity.

“It’s good news for the people of the region who will benefit from greater opportunities for training and learning throughout their working lives, and for businesses needing a pipeline of talent to meet their growth ambitions.

“It’s part of an investment in the region that totals £200m over the next 10-15 years which will have a transformative effect on the region and on Scotland as a whole.”

Eugene Gallanagh, senior director of enabling services at SDS, added: “The region already has a global reputation in sectors ranging from life sciences to tourism to creative and digital, and this plan will help ensure that more people have the in-demand skills needed to share in that success.”