Skills, employability and inclusive economic growth are challenges that no single organisation can address alone. That spirit of collaboration was at the heart of the recent Integrated Regional Employability and Skills (IRES27+) event at Fife College’s Dunfermline City Campus, which brought together partners from across Edinburgh and South East Scotland to reflect on progress, share learning and shape the next phase of regional activity.
With 89 attendees representing around 40 organisations, the event demonstrated the scale of commitment across the region to creating a more responsive, inclusive and effective skills and employability system. Representatives from industry, the third sector, local authorities, colleges, universities and regional partnerships came together around a shared ambition: ensuring individuals and employers have access to the support, opportunities and skills needed to thrive.
A key focus of the event was reflecting on the impact of the Integrated Regional Employability and Skills programme to date, while looking ahead to the ambitions of IRES27+.
Attendees heard about the Programme Proposal, which has been shaped by contributions from more than 180 partners across the region. The event also explored findings from the independent critical review, providing valuable insights into what has been achieved so far and where future opportunities lie.
Discussions highlighted the importance of building on strong foundations while continuing to adapt to changing economic conditions, workforce demands and learner needs.
The event also showcased several important initiatives that are helping to strengthen the region’s skills ecosystem.
These included updates on the Housing, Construction & Infrastructure Skills Gateway (HCI Skills Gateway), which is helping to support workforce development within key sectors, and the introduction of the Building Equity, Accessibility and Connecting Opportunities Network (BEACON).
While each initiative has its own objectives, they share a common purpose: helping people access opportunities, supporting employers to meet skills needs and ensuring that economic growth can be both inclusive and sustainable.
One of the strongest messages from the day was the value of partnership working.
Throughout presentations and discussions, a clear theme emerged: meaningful change happens when organisations work together. IRES27+ demonstrates the value of strong relationships, effective networks and shared infrastructure, enabling partners to respond collectively to challenges and opportunities across the region.
This collaborative approach helps create clearer pathways into education, training and employment, supports progression into higher-skilled and better-paid work, and contributes to wider efforts to tackle poverty and inequality across the region.
The event benefited from contributions from an experienced panel of speakers, including Ken Gourlay, Rona Hunter, Dr David Waite, Professor Stuart McIntyre, Dr Kenneth Leitch and Kenny McAllister.
Their insights provided valuable perspectives on the economic, educational and workforce challenges facing the region, while reinforcing the importance of long-term collaboration, innovation and evidence-led decision-making.
The discussions highlighted that while challenges remain, there is significant potential to build a skills system that is better aligned to both employer needs and the aspirations of learners and communities.
Alongside strategic discussions, the event also provided an important reminder of why this work matters.
It was a pleasure to welcome six young people from the Fife Community Trade Hub, whose participation reflected the real-world impact that employability and skills programmes can have on individuals and communities.
The contribution of four Fife College students, who supported catering and front-of-house activities throughout the day, was equally valued. Their professionalism and enthusiasm showcased the talent being developed through the region’s education and training partnerships.
As IRES27+ moves forward, the event demonstrated that there is both momentum and commitment across the region to continue building a stronger skills and employability landscape.
The conversations throughout the day reinforced a shared belief that lasting impact comes from partnership, innovation and a collective focus on creating opportunities for people and communities.
The foundations are in place. The challenge now is to build on that progress and ensure that the region’s skills system continues to evolve in ways that benefit learners, employers and local economies alike.
Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to support IRES27+. Together, the partnership is helping to create a more connected, inclusive and opportunity-rich future for Edinburgh and South East Scotland.
Video highlights from the event will be shared soon, and those who would like to show their support for the next phase of this work are encouraged to sign the IRES27+ Pledge.
Link to the pitch deck here: IRES-27-Pitch.pdf
IRES27+ Website: IRES 27+ Continued Investment – Integrated Regional Employability & Skills (IRES)
For some young people, leaving school can feel less like reaching a clear destination and more like stepping into the unknown. As highlighted in The Scotsman by Cyrenians, one of the Moving Forward providers, many young people leave school feeling completely unsure about what comes next.
For employability services, this makes early and effective transition support particularly important. It is also an area where partnership working can make a real difference.
Through Scottish Government No One Left Behind (NOLB) funding, the Edinburgh Local Employability Partnership (LEP) supports Moving Forward, an Edinburgh-wide programme helping young people make successful transitions from school into positive destinations.
Launched in April 2024, Moving Forward is delivered by a network of trusted third sector organisations across seven geographic clusters of the city. The programme supports young people aged 15.5 to 19, and up to 26 for those facing multiple barriers.
Moving Forward is an example of how the LEP network brings together the knowledge, relationships and expertise of different organisations to create more accessible support for young people.
Rather than expecting every young person to navigate services on their own, key workers provide personalised support based on their circumstances, strengths and aspirations. This can include building confidence, exploring education and training, developing employability skills and supporting young people towards employment.
One participant described how important that support from Cyrenians was:
“I genuinely felt like I was the only person feeling this lost. It turns out I wasn’t. So many young people come out of school feeling completely unsure about what to do next.” (Read original article here)
The programme recognises that progression does not always begin with a job application. For some young people, the first step might be building confidence, reconnecting with others or understanding the options available to them.
Another participant explained:
“The group has been a really good way to get me oot the hoose. After years of feeling isolated, it’s been a place where I could meet people and learn how to interact with others more easily.” (Read original article here)
Moving Forward’s strength comes from the way organisations across the LEP network work together, connecting their support to create a more joined-up experience.
By working across seven geographic clusters, partners can build on their local knowledge and relationships while contributing to a city-wide approach. This helps ensure that young people can access support that reflects their individual circumstances and the communities they live in.
That is ultimately what the LEP network is working towards: making sure young people have the relationships, support and opportunities they need to take their next step.
For more information on Moving Forward and to refer potential young people visit the Moving forward page.
By Direct Partners Training Provider
The way we think about professional development is changing. For years, upskilling meant stepping out of the workplace: a course, a university, a career break. But as digital transformation reshapes virtually every industry, Scotland’s workforce is discovering a more practical alternative: learning where you already are.
At Direct Partners, that’s exactly what we’ve built our model around.
The numbers are hard to ignore. According to Scottish Enterprise’s 2025 Skills Squeeze report, 56% of Scottish businesses currently report skills shortages — and 39% expect the situation to worsen over the next five years. (Source: OU Skills Barometer, cited in Scottish Enterprise Megatrends 2025.)
The demand for data-literate, digitally capable employees is growing faster than traditional training routes can keep pace with. Businesses across Scotland are navigating this challenge every day, watching roles evolve and wondering how to equip their teams without pulling people away from the work that keeps things running.
We believe Scotland’s digital skills gap is a solvable problem. Our goal is to connect ambitious employees with nationally recognised qualifications, without the cost or career disruption that usually comes with it.
Work-based learning is exactly what it sounds like: your job becomes the learning environment. Rather than studying hypothetical scenarios in a classroom, learners apply new skills directly to their everyday responsibilities. Evidence is gathered from real workplace tasks, making the qualification both meaningful and immediately useful.
Direct Partners delivers Skills Development Scotland (SDS) funded digital and tech qualifications, accredited by Qualifications Scotland at SCQF Levels 7 and 8. For eligible employees in Scotland, the training is fully funded, with zero cost to the learner.
We currently offer three in-demand tech qualifications, each designed to align with roles that already exist in your place of work:
Data Analytics (SCQF Level 8): For anyone working with data, reporting, or business insight. Learners cover the full analytics pipeline using Python, from managing and transforming data through to visualisation and decision-making.
Digital Marketing (SCQF Level 7): For those already active in marketing, social media, or content. This qualification formalises and strengthens existing skills across SEO, analytics, and digital strategy.
Software Development (SCQF Level 8): For those working within a coding team. A technically demanding qualification covering design, build, testing, methodology, and the full development lifecycle.
Each qualification takes around 12 months to complete, with a flexible, supported approach. Learners have monthly one-to-one remote sessions with their trainer, self-paced study materials, and progress reviews every 13 weeks, involving the learner, trainer, and line manager.
The programme is open to employees in paid employment with a business based in Scotland, where the chosen qualification is relevant to their current role. Manager support is required throughout, which is not a heavy commitment, but an acknowledgement that the learning is happening with the business, not away from it.
Digital transformation isn’t coming… it’s already here. With over half of Scottish businesses already feeling the pressure, and nearly four in ten bracing for it to intensify, the window to get ahead is now, not later.
For businesses, the question is no longer whether their teams need tech skills, but how to develop them without disruption. For employees, this is a rare opportunity to gain a recognised qualification, at no cost, without putting their career on hold.
Work-based learning doesn’t ask you to choose between your job and your development. It makes them the same thing.
Direct Partners is an award-winning training provider based in Edinburgh, delivering SDS-funded tech qualifications across Scotland. To find out more or check eligibility, visit directpartners.co.uk or call 0131 600 0820.
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