Education Secretary launches Glasgow-based academy to boost workforce skills
Education and Skills Secretary Jenny Gilruth has launched a Glasgow-based initiative to boost workforce skills across Scotland.
Run by Advice Direct Scotland, academy.scot offers a variety of business courses accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in key areas such as debt advice, money management, customer service, and energy.
These courses are available at various Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels, offering a flexible approach to workforce development.
Workers from One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) are already applying skills learned at the academy to better support families across the country.
The academy’s qualifications meet the specific needs of businesses of all sizes, offering tailored learning options, mentorship, and clear pathways for career progression.
It draws on Advice Direct Scotland’s expertise in delivering consumer support through services such as energyadvice.scot, consumeradvice.scot, moneyadvice.scot, and taxadvice.scot.
The charity handles more than 900,000 customer contacts annually, providing free, impartial advice to everyone in Scotland, regardless of their personal circumstances.
Ms Gilruth was welcomed to the charity's Glasgow headquarters by Chief Executive Andrew Bartlett and Deputy Chief Executive Pamela Stewart.
During her visit, she met with OPFS team members who had completed the Money and Debt Advice Custom Award (SCQF Level 7), a qualification designed to help them better support the parents they assist.
Ten OPFS staff have completed the award, with six more currently enrolled in the Advice and Guidance course.
The academy also offers a bespoke qualification in energy advice, support, and sustainability, available to charities and other organisations beyond the third sector.
Ms Gilruth said: "Working with partners such as Advice Direct Scotland is crucial as the Scottish Government takes forward reforms to the skills system that will maximise the potential of Scotland’s workforce in the future years ahead.
"Academy.scot is great example of this, and I have no doubt that training initiatives such as this will help make sure that the system is responsive to both regional and national skills needs."
Mr Bartlett said: "Our aim is to provide tailored training that meets the diverse needs of our communities, enabling individuals and organisations to thrive.
"The money and debt advice courses we offer not only equip staff with essential skills but also ensure that they can provide better support to those who need it most.
"As we expand our qualifications, we are committed to making a positive difference across various sectors, enhancing the quality of advice and support available to families and individuals throughout Scotland."
Carrol Wilcox, training and wellbeing manager at One Parent Families Scotland, added: "The skills learned will not only benefit the parents we support, but our staff have commented that they will also help on a personal level.
"This is an amazing organisation and I would highly recommend their training packages."