Skills Investment Plan - For Scotland's ICT & Digital Technologies sector
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Foreword &
Introduction
1
Purpose of the Skills
Investment Plan
2
The importance of
the sector
3
Key skills issues
4
Developing an
action plan
5
Action plan
Skills Investment Plan 6
For Scotland’s ICT & Digital Technologies sector Monitoring
Appendices &
Acknowledgements
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Foreword It is an exciting time for Scotland’s ICT
and digital technologies sector as we
Introduction A key driver of this success has been
Scotland’s reputation for skills which Foreword &
prepare to implement Scotland’s Digital has been achieved through the strength Introduction
Future – Digital Economy Strategy. of the university sector, and our ability
1
This Scottish Government strategy to produce highly capable graduates.
sets out an ambitious plan to ensure However, in such a dynamic industry,
that Scotland is prepared for its digital and with so many competitor countries
future and skills development is identified investing in their ICT and digital
as being an integral component. technologies skills base, we can’t
afford to be complacent. Purpose of the Skills
Globally ICT and digital technologies
are booming and Scotland is well-placed Up to 11,000 job opportunities could
Investment Plan
to take advantage of the new be available each year in Scotland,
opportunities created. There is an
unprecedented demand for ICT and
digital technology professionals and across
Europe the number of jobs is growing
and it is imperative that we match
the sector’s ambition for growth with
highly-focused investment in skills,
to ensure that Scotland maintains
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by more than 100,000 each year. In order its prominent position and maximises
to take advantage of the opportunities its employment and export potential. The importance of
that exist, we must continue to respond the sector
John F. McClelland OBE, by providing the right people with the Gerry Docherty, This document sets out the strategy
for how we intend to achieve this aim.
right skills and expertise to enable the
Chair of the ICT and
Chair of Skills
Development Scotland
sector to continue to grow and attract
overseas investment. We must ensure
that Scotland continues to be seen as
a key player in areas such as big data,
Digital Technologies
Skills Group and Chief
It demands a collaborative approach,
with stakeholders and industry working
together to extend the talent pool
to ensure that Scotland continues to
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informatics and digital health where develop itself as a world-class location
we have already demonstrated Executive of Smarter from which ICT and digital technology
Key skills issues
companies operate. This will be achieved
considerable strength and expertise.
Grid Solutions. by deepening the educational capabilities
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Delivering the Skills Investment Plan (SIP) to produce and retain high-ranking
for Scotland’s ICT and digital technologies The ICT and digital technologies performers, positioning the sector
sector has been facilitated by Skills sector in Scotland is thriving and it is as a positive career destination for
Development Scotland, working in an increasingly integral component of our young talent, and by fostering
partnership with key skills groups and Scotland’s economic success. We are a culture that supports exports,
industry stakeholders. The SIP experiencing an unprecedented global innovation and entrepreneurship. Developing an
development has involved reviewing demand for digital technologies which action plan
future skills and employment demands, is creating exciting opportunities for As Chair of the ICT and Digital Technologies
in order to help the sector respond to and Scotland. We have an excellent track record Skills Group, I’m excited about the global
embrace the skills challenges that exist
in a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that
of attracting inward investment, and in
cultivating its indigenous business base,
from start-up technology companies to
those which have an established
opportunities that exist in this sector,
and the impact that our industry will
have on jobs and economic performance
throughout Scotland in the years ahead.
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stakeholders, education providers and a multi-national presence. Let’s focus on putting the talent pool
public bodies work together with industry in place that will make the most of
to ensure that skills investment across the those opportunities. Action plan
sector is targeted effectively and achieves
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maximum results.
Let’s work together to make Scotland
a world-class digital nation by 2020.
Monitoring
Appendices &
Acknowledgements
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1
The ICT and digital The development of the SIP has been Figure 1: SIP development process Foreword &
informed and guided by an industry-led
technologies Skills steering group which has included Introduction
representatives from Amazon, JP Morgan,
Investment Plan (SIP) is Scale of the sector/growth ambition
1
Lockheed Martin, ScotlandIS, e-Skills UK
a partnership document and the Technology Advisory Group,
as well as from partners from education
Purpose of which has been and the public sector.
Supply side mapping Review evidence of
skills needs
facilitated by Skills Purpose of the Skills
the Skills Development Scotland The purpose of the SIP is to: Investment Plan
Investment Plan (SDS) on behalf of • Validate and bring clarity
Identify skills priorities for growth
Scottish Government.
SDS has worked closely
to the scale and nature
of the skills issues which
face the sector Test with industry
2
with industry to develop The importance of
this ICT and digital • Create direction and Publish and launch SIP the sector
bring focus to the nature
technologies SIP and
3
of the response required
will continue to work by the public sector and
The development of the SIP builds on the
industry, on the priority cotland has the skills
• S
with industry and public skills issues
work of the ICT Advisory Group and has
been closely aligned with Scotland’s Digital required to develop and
sector partners in Future – Supporting the Transition to exploit its strengths in
a World-leading Digital Economy which areas such as digital health, Key skills issues
its implementation. • Provide a framework outlines the Scottish Government’s care and big data
for public sector and ambition to make Scotland a world
private sector investment
to develop skills provision
to meet industry needs.
class digital nation by 2020. Echoing this
strategy the SIP identifies a skills
ambition for digital technologies in which:
• Growth sectors have
access to the ICT
4
professional skills they
The SIP development has been sector-led require to embrace Developing an
and published by SDS. It has been informed digital technologies action plan
by a review and synthesis of existing
research, in particular e-skills UK
‘Technology Insights’ and ScotlandIS
‘Scottish Technology Industry Surveys’.
It has been validated through extensive
employer and stakeholder consultations.
• There is close
collaboration between
industry, Government
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agencies and the education
The key stages in the SIP development sector to meet the skills
process are set out in Figure 1 below needs of the sector. Action plan
and the process is outlined in more detail
6
in Appendix 1.
Monitoring
Appendices &
Acknowledgements
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The ICT and digital The Scottish ICT and digital technologies
sector is thriving and from 2010 to 2013,
Drivers of change Foreword &
The dynamic nature of digital technologies
technologies sector is of the number of businesses operating in means there are continually new products,
Introduction
the sector increased by 3.6% to 6,500.
crucial importance to the processes and business models being
1
Whilst the business base is dominated by developed and this has an impact on the
Scottish economy and micro businesses and SMEs, multi-nationals
are of importance to the sector, as the
skills needed to take advantage of these.
In addition, there are a number of wider
The importance a strong infrastructure largest percentage of the workforce
are employed in businesses with 200
economic and industry trends that will
have longer term skills implications and
of the sector is needed to support or more and employees.3 which are cross cutting. The implications Purpose of the Skills
future prosperity. Export markets and foreign of these drivers on skills needs are Investment Plan
highlighted in Figure 3.
investment
Economic contribution
In its own right the ICT and digital
technologies sector, which includes
software development, telecoms
Digital technologies account for a significant
proportion of Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI) in the UK, with software related
investment making up around 25% of all
Figure 3: Drivers of change for ICT and digital technologies
Driver Description Skills implication
2
and ICT services, contributes £3billion FDI projects. The Ernst and Young European
GVA, accounting for 3% of the Scottish Investment Monitor indicates that Scotland Pace of The ICT and digital • Constant change in skills The importance of
economy.1 The sector is an increasingly has secured a much higher share of overall change technologies sector is dynamic requirements of the workforce the sector
important part of the Scottish economy UK investment in this area, with recent and fast changing and many • Education system needs to be
and also plays an underpinning role commitments from Atos, Capgemini
3
of the current business agile enough to be able to respond
in terms of driving the competitiveness and CGI testament to this success. products or models did not to the changing needs and
of other key sectors. exist a few years ago. expectations of businesses.
Export markets have also become
Business base increasingly important and the 2013 Increased Increased numbers of • Creates an increased demand for
This dual role is reflected in the workforce ScotlandIS Technology Survey indicates that digital businesses, across all sectors, technology skills across a range
as there are more than 73,000 ICT over half of the respondents were currently
and digital technology professionals exporting, which represents an increase
investments are investing more to enhance of sectors. This can act as a catalyst Key skills issues
their use of technology. for growth and job creation
employed within the sector directly of 14% over the last three years.
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and in digital technology roles in Europe and North America were cited • To assist businesses in adapting
other businesses across the Scottish as the most important markets for to changes in technology there is
economy,2 as illustrated in Figure 2 below: exporting businesses.4 Digital technologies a need for core competencies and
are widely recognised as a driver of technology awareness to be
innovation and international trade improved across all sectors.
and consequently many ICT and digital Developing an
Increased A trend towards increased • A high quality skilled workforce
technology businesses have an international
contracting- contracting out of services becomes critical if Scotland is to action plan
outlook and view export markets as a key
out to countries with the ability continue to be viewed as a location
channel for their products and services.
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to provide a lower cost service. which can attract, and support high
value jobs
Figure 2: Employment breakdown of ICT and digital • The development of the talent
technology professionals pool needs to be aligned with
inward investments.
TOTAL – ICT and digital technology professionals 73,000 Increased Cyber crime is a driver of • A requirement for specialist skills Action plan
importance innovation within the industry. to be developed
Employed within the ICT and digital 29,000 of security It also responds to the
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• Education system needs awareness
technologies sector requirements of key client and capacity to respond to
sectors such as the financial this issue as it cuts across
Employed in other sectors 44,000 services industry. The ability all sub-sectors of ICT and
to protect the integrity digital technologies.
of a product or process in
a global environment is a key
success factor. Monitoring
1, 2 & 3“Technology Insights Scotland 2012”, e-Skills UK, 2012
4
“Scottish Technology Industry Survey 2013”, ScotlandIS, 2013
Appendices &
Acknowledgements
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A review of labour market • Financial services Foreword &
intelligence and research,
ICT and digital technology skills for
information security systems, asset
“ICT and digital Introduction
technologies play a
and stakeholder management systems and data mining
Key skills issues
consultation has identified
a range of key skills issues,
and analysis have become increasingly
important for the sector. In addition financial
services requires individuals with the skills
to utilise technology to deliver more
pivotal role in driving
the competitiveness
of other key sectors
1
and challenges for Scottish sophisticated products and services such in the Scottish Purpose of the Skills
as for internet, banking, social media
economy” Investment Plan
ICT and digital technologies. and mobile offerings.
• Life sciences and health
However these are not issues only for
Scotland but are echoed across other
countries in Europe and the USA.
Digital healthcare is an increasingly
important area of opportunity which
requires individuals with ICT and digital
technology skills to be able to store,
2
The European Commission’s Grand
process, and analyse large amounts
Coalition for Digital Jobs recently indicated
of information and data. In addition
The importance of
that the demand for talent significantly the sector
outstrips supply. Europe alone could research and development can be
face a shortage of up to 900,000 ICT significantly enhanced by the new
3
and digital technology professionals. technologies which are being developed.
Similarly the under supply of talent is an • Creative and cultural industries
issue for the Irish economy and more than ICT skills are required for the manipulation
half of their recent high level ICT and digital of creative content in digital music, piracy,
technology skills needs have been filled copyright and social media. Broadcasting
through inward migration. This increased business requires the skills to diversify Key skills issues
international demand for ICT and digital into new platforms in products and
services, whilst publishing and journalism
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technology professionals creates additional
challenges for Scotland which must be are becoming increasingly digitally focused.
addressed in order to remain competitive In crafts there is an increasing use of
in a global market. technology in design.
ICT and digital technologies are The demand for individuals with
ICT and digital technologies skills Developing an
an enabler of growth action plan
Inward investment and indigenous company is predicted to grow
growth from within the sector is already Overall the number of people employed in
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creating an increased demand for digital ICT and digital technology roles is forecast
technology skills. ICT and digital technologies to increase by 15% to 84,000 by 2020.5
is also an important enabler across the At the same time, the profile of the current
whole economy and the positive impact workforce is ageing. The proportion of 16
of technology in driving innovation and to 24 year olds working in Scotland as IT
growth can be seen in engineering, defence & telecoms professionals is half that of
and energy. The increasing adoption of digital other occupations. This creates exciting job Action plan
technologies by businesses in other sectors opportunities as there is a need to replace
creates significant job opportunities and those employees leaving the sector, as well
drives increased demand for skills in relation
to the use of ICT.
meeting the demand from future growth.
Forecasts from e-Skills UK suggest that there
could be as many as 11,000 job opportunities
each year in ICT and digital technology roles.
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Monitoring
5 “Technology Insights Scotland 2012”, e-Skills UK, 2012
Appendices &
Acknowledgements
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ICT and digital technologies Promote new entry The ability for staff to refresh and renew Broadening the talent pipeline and
their skills and enable individuals to take addressing these longer term challenges Foreword &
offer highly paid and rewarding routes into ICT and digital Introduction
part in Continuous Personal Development will require co-ordinated action across
career opportunities technology careers (CPD) will be important in maintaining a number of areas. This will include
Almost three quarters of employees in Whilst ICT and digital technology
1
the competitiveness of the skills base. stimulating demand from young people
the sector have attained a higher education companies tend to prefer employing
Up-skilling the existing workforce to and learners; ensuring adequate teaching
or equivalent qualification.6 Research by graduates, there is growing recognition
embrace new opportunities is also an capacity in schools, colleges and
e-Skills UK also indicates that median of alternative entry routes into the sector
Key skills issues full time earnings for ICT and digital
technology roles are £38,500, considerably
through interventions such as transition
training and Modern Apprenticeships.
important part of responding to the
immediate need the sector faces.
universities and ensuring more college
and university places are available to meet
Purpose of the Skills
continued higher than the Scottish average of £25,500. ICT and digital technology businesses
have indicated interest in the development
Broadening the talent pipeline
an increased demand. Part of the solution
to increasing interest in the sector lies Investment Plan
Looking to the future, job growth is Addressing the immediate skills challenges in rolling out industry supported
of an intensive transition training model of ICT and digital technology businesses extra-curricular provision that supports
2
expected to be particularly concentrated which would allow individuals with
in areas such as software development, is important but must be complemented young people in developing ICT and
transferable skills to be re-skilled. by a longer term strategy that ensures
software engineering and web digital technology skills and careers
This would support individuals in taking sufficient numbers of young people come
development - there has already been awareness. There are already excellent
advantage of the immediate need for talent through the education system. At a time
a 50% increase in demand for software examples of computing clubs such as
which the sector is currently experiencing. when the Scottish ICT and digital CoderDojo and Computing Clubs for Girls,
professionals over the last ten years.7
technologies sector is forecast to grow but this provision needs to be extended
The importance of
Demand for graduates is also predicted Similarly there is recognition that Modern
to increase as businesses continue to Apprenticeships (MAs) are a valuable and there is increasing demand for staff and made available more consistently the sector
look to employ candidates straight from option for the sector. MAs offer a route with high level digital technology skills, across Scotland.
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university, favouring those who can bring for individuals to obtain skills, qualifications there is clear evidence that the talent
some experience as well as those who and experience. In addition to providing pipeline in Scotland needs to expand to Connecting employment
combine technology and commercial skills. 8 financial support to assist businesses meet this demand. More young people and education
to develop a skilled workforce, the MA should be encouraged to study computing A key challenge for the skills system
The success of the sector programme also supports young people related subjects at college and university is to align the delivery of a high-quality,
means that many companies to develop employability skills and gain and redressing this balance is crucial industry informed curriculum, with
to ensure the competitiveness of opportunities for young people to gain Key skills issues
are facing challenges work experience. Working through industry
Scottish companies both within the ICT real industry experience. Engagement with
in recruiting enough people ambassadors these benefits should be
and digital technology sector and beyond. employers has emphasised the importance
4
with the right skills highlighted to ICT and digital technology
businesses to generate greater awareness of gaining experience by ‘learning on
This increased demand for employees In particular there is a need to arrest the
and understanding. This will lead to wider the job’ through industry placements
has created recruitment challenges for ICT decline of students taking computing
adoption and complement graduate and internships. These offer excellent
and digital technology businesses and courses at school. Data from SQA shows
recruitment. Feedback from businesses opportunities for graduates to better
other businesses across the economy. that over the four year period to 2012 there understand the current needs of industry
Despite the health of the sector and the engaged with the Information Technology was a 27% decline in computing Standard and embed entrepreneurial attitudes
Developing an
attractive career prospects it offers, many Professional (ITP) MA cites excellent Grade and a 17% decline in computing action plan
experiences and outcomes. There have and behaviours.
businesses are currently reporting Intermediate 1. Similarly during this period
challenges in recruiting enough highly been positive actions from leading the number of teachers with computing Concerted action and promotion is required
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skilled individuals to meet their growth businesses, including Microsoft, studies as their main subject area to enable greater participation from
ambition and potential. In response to currently working towards a target of 2016 decreased by 13.8%. This lack of dedicated students and from a wider range of
this ICT, and digital technology companies IT MAs by 2016. teaching provision continues to be an issue. businesses. In particular industry should
have already indicated that they have been be encouraged to have greater involvement
reviewing and adopting new recruitment Up-skilling the workforce However whilst computing science as
ICT and digital technology professionals and participation in initiatives which
strategies, including an increased focus on a subject is important for the industry, provide young people with placement and
under–graduate and graduate placements already working in the sector have there is growing recognition that a wide work experience opportunities. Industry
Action plan
and recruiting overseas talent. There are to continually up-skill in order to keep range of disciplines and in particular STEM
pace with new developments in areas such and education should also be encouraged
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positive signs that this will continue with subjects, can lead to a career in ICT and to work together to support learners to put
businesses demonstrating a strong desire e-commerce and the increasing focus on digital technologies. It is important that
big data, data analytics and cyber security. their innovative ideas into practice and to
to examine new recruitment models which young people have the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and business skills.
will help attract more people for the future The rapidly evolving needs of the industry develop technology skills and industry
needs of the sector. have the potential to create skills gaps in awareness across all parts of the curriculum.
the ICT and digital technologies workforce.
Monitoring
6&7
“Technology Insights Scotland 2012”, e-Skills UK, 2012
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“Scottish Technology Industry Survey 2013”, ScotlandIS, 2013
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An example of an industry and education Awareness and understanding of careers
collaboration is the proposed Data Lab in the ICT and digital technologies sector Foreword &
Innovation Centre which will be a should to be increased and the wide range Introduction
collaboration between the Scottish of high-value employment opportunities
“One in twenty-five
1
Informatics and Computing Science accurately reflected. In addition, reflecting
Alliance (SICSA) and industry. The aim the varied progression pathways into workers in Scotland
of the proposal is to understand and the sector from other disciplines such are employed in
Key skills issues address the current and future skills needs
of industry through continuing and
as maths and sciences is an important
message to communicate. Key to this the sector”
Purpose of the Skills
continued professional development, undergraduate
and postgraduate education. This will be
is changing and informing perceptions
of careers influencers (parents, teachers Investment Plan
an industry led project and will offer and careers and employment advisers)
opportunities for businesses to engage who play an important role in encouraging
with universities and colleges to
commercialise research and develop
knowledge exchange opportunities.
young people to consider computer
and other digital related qualifications
and careers.
2
Responding to changing Increasing the number of
industry needs women in ICT and digital The importance of
The sector is dynamic and fast-moving technology roles the sector
and this is reflected in the pace at which Women are under represented in ICT
3
demand for skills can change. This pace and digital technology occupations across
of change however, can present a challenge the sectors in Scotland. Participation rates
for the education system. Colleges and of females in the workforce has declined
universities need to be able to keep pace over a ten-year period to 2011 from 30%
with the changing needs and expectations to 17% 9 and the number of female
of businesses and, where appropriate, acceptances onto ICT and digital
be sufficiently agile to respond effectively. technologies related higher education Key skills issues
Research collated during the SIP courses have tended to be significantly
development process has highlighted
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lower than for males. This represents
the need for good quality labour market a potential loss of talent to the sector,
information to be developed, packaged and but with appropriate targeted intervention
communicated on a regular basis to help there exists a prime opportunity to respond
educators keep abreast of changing skills to the needs of the sector by encouraging
demand. Similarly it is important that greater female participation. Examples of Developing an
employers across the sector have the good practice can already be seen from
opportunity to engage in curriculum the work undertaken by the Scottish
action plan
design in schools, colleges and universities. Resource Centre for Women in Science,
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Creating effective industry and education Engineering and Technology and this should
partnerships will support learners to be built upon. A concerted effort is required
develop ICT and digital technology skills by industry, education and the public sector
as well as a better understanding of the working together to promote positive role
range of career opportunities available. models and eliminating the perceived
barriers which prevent many women from
Raising the attractiveness pursuing ICT and digital technology careers. Action plan
of the sector
A key strength of the Scottish ICT and
digital technologies sector is that it sits
at the forefront of innovation. Industry and
partners should work together to promote
these positive messages to attract potential
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new entrants. In particular this vibrancy
should be communicated to young people
who are under represented in the sector, Monitoring
and who can have narrow perceptions
about digital technology related subjects
and careers.
9 “Technology Insights Scotland 2012”, e-Skills UK, 2012
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The vision of the SIP is An action plan to support this vision has
Foreword &
been developed by working in partnership
for Scotland to be viewed Introduction
with industry and stakeholders. “Supporting
as a world-class location Scotland’s vision to
1
It is structured around two strategic
for ambitious ICT and objectives set out in Figure 4 below: be a world-class
location for ICT
Developing an digital technology and digital
businesses to be able technology” Purpose of the Skills
action plan to develop, invest and Investment Plan
grow by having access
to a talent pool with
exceptional ICT and
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digital technology skills. The importance of
the sector
Figure 4: Skills Investment Plan vision
Developing and retaining a talent pool to support
3
the growth of the digital technology professionals
across all sectors
Key skills issues
4
OBJECTIVE A
Attract more OBJECTIVE B
talent today: Closing the gap:
Action to support Action to broaden the talent
businesses to meet pool for the sector and better Developing an
their immediate align supply with industry demand action plan
skills needs
Theme 1:
Responding to
Theme 2:
Broadening
Theme 3:
Working
Theme 4:
Raising the
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the immediate need the future together profile of
for ICT and digital talent to make the ICT and
technology skills pipeline for the education digital Action plan
ICT and digital system more technology
technology
skills
responsive to
the needs of
employers
sector and
careers
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Monitoring
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OBJECTIVE A OBJECTIVE B Theme 3: Working together Theme 4: Raising the profile of Foreword &
Attracting more talent today Closing the gap to make the education system the ICT and digital technology Introduction
more responsive to the needs sector and careers
Theme 1: Responding to the Theme 2: Broadening the future of employers
immediate need for ICT and talent pipeline for ICT and digital
1
A key challenge for the SIP is to effectively
digital technology skills technology skills Ongoing interaction between industry and communicate ICT and digital technology
education is vital to ensure that curriculum career opportunities to young people,
Developing an The impact of the immediate skills needs has
been identified as a key issue for the ICT
Addressing the imbalance of skills supply
with industry demand is an area which will
reflects the changing needs of a fast moving
industry. The importance of business working
women, careers influencers and stakeholders.
The objective is to ensure that the profile
Purpose of the Skills
action plan and digital technologies sector, and one which
has the potential to limit future growth. A
not elicit immediate results, but it is a vital
component of the wider skills strategy.
more closely with the education system
is also a key feature of the Commission
of the industry is fully represented and
understood, in order to support informed Investment Plan
continued range of short-term measures have been
identified which will run concurrently while
The domestic skills supply requires to be for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce choices and decisions by individuals,
2
developed through a variety of mechanisms which indicates a two way relationship inward investors and stakeholders.
action is taken to broaden the talent pipeline including those intended to generate interest is required. Businesses are encouraged
in the longer term. This will include in ICT and digital technology careers, through to become more active participants in the Key areas that will be addressed include:
interventions such as: to those which will increase the capacity education and curriculum development • develop a coordinated educational
• developing an industry-led talent academy for the education system to deliver ICT process. Fostering sustainable relationships promotional strategy that highlights
model, which will be designed to provide ICT and digital technology career
and computing related qualifications. with industry at a regional and national level
opportunities
The importance of
transition training to individuals and provide will support schools, colleges and universities
them with the skills to access ICT and digital Key features of this action will include: to develop a future workforce which is aligned
the sector
technology jobs • interventions which will develop the • identify and share best practice from
with future need.
the wide range of initiatives aimed at
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capacity and infrastructure required to
• supporting the uptake of CPD and workforce support additional ICT and computing Key areas which will be addressed include: promoting digital technology careers
development as a means of up-skilling related education delivery. This will include • review existing good practice to develop and skills to young people within schools
the current workforce to be able to take engaging with local authorities to mechanisms which encourage employers
advantage of the immediate opportunities • communicate tailored labour market
encourage discussions about the decline to engage with schools, colleges and
information and careers advice to key
in dedicated computing teachers universities and which support learners
• assisting businesses to widen their talent target groups and individuals regarding
pool by supporting their talent attraction • understanding the supply and demand
to develop ICT and digital technology
the opportunities available in digital Key skills issues
skills and better understanding of
strategies. This could include transition for ICT and digital technology provision technologies roles.
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career opportunities
training, encouraging more businesses and supporting additional capacity at
to engage with vocational entry routes, Areas of early action which have been
undergraduate and postgraduate level • undertaking research to fully understand
recruitment of overseas talent and identified include:
where appropriate the supply and demand for ICT and
the specific targeting of women and • in partnership with industry deliver
computing related subjects at all levels
women returners • undertaking research to understand a digital technologies focused ‘Make Young
the progression routes into ICT and • communicating demand effectively People Your Business’ campaign to Developing an
• develop a targeted marketing campaign digital technology roles from other through the skills system to build agility promote the benefits of employing young action plan
to raise awareness of skill shortage subject disciplines and responsiveness people. A key feature will be to raise
roles aimed at individuals within, awareness of the alternative entry routes
and outside Scotland. • targeted promotion of the existing MA
frameworks to young people, careers
influencers and employers, and to explore
employer demand for the development of
• developing and promoting existing
student placement programmes
to support understanding of the
business environment
such as through the MA programme
and placements schemes
• building on the work of Scottish
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additional and higher level MA frameworks. Women in Technology (SWIT) and
• achieving better outcomes from the the Scottish Research Centre (SRC),
existing education provision for businesses. develop interventions which specifically Action plan
raise the profile of ICT and digital
technologies to women and encourage
more women to access ICT and digital
technology opportunities
• working with industry, establish an
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infrastructure project which increase
access to computer clubs and
extra-curricular computing activities Monitoring
across Scotland.
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AcknowledgementsNext
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The action plan which It has been designed to provide a framework
for private and public sector intervention,
Theme 1: Responding to the immediate need for ICT and digital technology skills Foreword &
is presented details the whilst remaining flexible to respond Objectives: Introduction
to the evolving nature of the sector and 1. Increase the immediate pipeline of talent to meet current ICT and digital technology skills needs
key actions which will
1
to new opportunities as they arise. 2. Supporting the up-skilling of the ICT and digital technology workforce
be undertaken to support A key feature of the action plan will be
the growth ambition to ensure that it aligns with future industry Inception
Action plan demand by commissioning and utilising
Action Description Expected outcomes Key partners timescale
of the ICT and digital robust Labour Market Information and Purpose of the Skills
sector research. Develop full business plan for industry Spring 2014
technologies sector. led regional talent academy models
Investment Plan
A concerted and collaborative approach
Implement talent academy models in Summer 2014
2
is fundamental to the successful delivery Reduction in the number
of this strategy. This will involve a range Industry led lowland Scotland and Highlands to support e-Skills UK, FE, HE,
of ICT/digital technology
of partners and industry working together talent academy employers to recruit 200 individuals to Industry, ScotlandIS,
businesses citing unfilled
to progress and implement the actions. model meet their immediate skills needs SDS, HIE, SE
vacancies
In particular there will be an emphasis Evaluation of initial model and 2014 - 2016
on industry input and industry-led subsequent roll-out to support 750 The importance of
interventions where appropriate. trainees over a two year period the sector
Recruit ICT and digital technology skills Summer 2014
3
development advisers targeting 40
companies to provide workforce
development support. Reduction in the numbers
of ICT/digital technology
Establish skills development fund to businesses citing skills gaps Summer 2014
Supporting skills support professional ICT and digital in their current workforce
technology skills development in SMEs HIE, SE, SDS,
development in
ScotlandIS Key skills issues
the workplace Mapping and promotion of online Increased numbers of ICT/ Spring 2014
digital technology
4
training interventions via ‘industry hub’
on Our Skillsforce businesses training their
existing workforce
Broadening the talent pool by supporting Summer 2014
businesses to identify individuals with
a strong aptitude for technology roles.
Developing an
With employers, establish a package of Autumn 2014 action plan
support (face to face, webinars and online)
to support ICT and digital technology Reduction in the number Industry, HIE, SE,
5
International businesses recruit overseas talent of ICT/digital technology Local Authorities,
talent attraction Deliver a targeted marketing strategy businesses citing unfilled Talent Scotland, Summer 2014
including jobs fair events and promotional vacancies ScotlandIS
materials aligned with industry identified
skills shortages
Action plan
6
Monitoring
Appendices &
AcknowledgementsPrevious Next
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Theme 2: Broadening the future talent pipeline for ICT and digital technology skills
Foreword &
Objectives: Introduction
1. To encourage more young people to choose a career in the ICT and digital technologies sector
1
2.To arrest the decline in the number of individuals studying ICT and computer related qualifications at school, FE and HE
Inception Inception
Action Description Expected outcomes Key partners Action Description Expected outcomes Key partners
timescale timescale
Purpose of the Skills
Deliver 50 Career-Long Professional Summer 2014 Work with schools and partners to Summer 2014
Learning opportunities to embed ICT/ develop work based career pathways Investment Plan
digital technology careers awareness to support 100 young people to Increased uptake of existing
2
and skills development for secondary progress into ICT and digital technology Information Technology MA
teachers and teachers in training MAs or training opportunities, or into frameworks
COLLEGES/
employment.
Develop ICT and digital technology Spring 2015 VOCATIONAL
Increased numbers of e-Skills UK, Industry,
Career-Long Professional Learning Increased uptake of TRAINING: Encourage wider employer participation Summer 2014
employers participating ScotlandIS, SDS,
opportunities for primary school ICT/computing related Alternative entry in the Information Technology MA The importance of
SCHOOLS: Computing at Schools in the ITP MA programme Schools, Local
teachers qualifications at school, routes into ICT programmes through a targeted
Support the
FE and HE
Scotland, Education
and digital promotional campaign. Deliver 2016
Authorities the sector
delivery of ICT/ Establish a central coordination function Scotland, FE, HE, Autumn 2014 Reduction in the number
technology roles MA starts in Scotland by 2016 across of ICT/digital technology
digital technology to increase numbers and quality of Schools, Local
3
Increased capacity in schools all IT frameworks businesses citing unfilled
related education engagements between schools and to deliver ICT/computing Authorities, NESTA
industry Establish new advanced level MA vacancies Summer 2014
related education
frameworks for ICT/digital technologies
Develop an employer ‘school toolkit’ Autumn 2014
in response to industry need
of resources mapped to curriculum
for excellence Undertake a comprehensive mapping Autumn 2014
Develop a ‘digital schools’ award to Spring 2015 exercise to understand the supply Key skills issues
identify ICT/digital technology best of FE and HE, retention rates and
4
practice in schools graduate destinations
Respond flexibly to undergraduate Academic Year
Establish “Computer Clubs for Girls” in Spring 2014
student demand for places in ICT, in 2014 2014/15
50 schools and target 500 young people COLLEGES/ and beyond, through the Outcome
aged 10-14 across Scotland. Increased uptake of ICT/ UNIVERSITIES: Increased uptake of ICT/
Agreement process with institutions
Support Young Digital makers to train a computing related subjects Summer 2014 Increasing ICT and computing related subjects HE, FE, SQA, SFC Developing an
network of industry mentors to support at school, HE and FE digital technology Improve and prioritise articulation at HE and FE Academic Year action plan
provision routes from FE to HE for ICT/digital 2015/16
100 young people learn new digital skills
Increased quality and technology subjects
5
and build career awareness CoderDojo, Education
YOUNG PEOPLE: availability of initiatives across
Scotland, e-Skills UK, Provide at least a further 80 additional Academic Year
Learning and Mapping of ICT/digital technology Scotland delivering ICT/digital Winter 2014
STEMnet, Industry, taught postgraduate places in computer 2014/15
using ICT/digital initiatives to Curriculum for Excellence technology skills development
Schools, ScotlandIS, science from 2014/15 with the potential
technology skills and explore accreditation. and careers awareness
Scottish Government to increase this through the proposed
Establish a central coordination and Increased participation by Autumn 2014 Big Data Innovation Centre.
funding resource to increase access young people in extra curricular
Establish a network of regional industry Spring 2015
Action plan
to extra curricular initiatives for young ICT/digital technology
people and schools mentors and package of support to
initiatives
6
assist young people in commercialising
Establish an annual national careers Summer 2014 Industry, Local
ALL: Developing ICT/digital technology ideas Increased numbers of young
event for young people Authorities, HIE,
entrepreneurial people developing
Launch a national competition across Schools, PSYBT, Spring 2015
skills and culture entrepreneurial skills
all age groups to encourage innovation STEMnet
Increase the number of schools Summer 2014
participating in Apps for Good Monitoring
Appendices &
AcknowledgementsPrevious
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Theme 3: Working together to make the education system more responsive to the needs Theme 4: Raising the profile of the ICT and digital technology sector and careers
of employers Foreword &
Objectives: Introduction
Objectives: 1. To communicate and market a sector profile which ensures that stakeholders are aware of the contribution that ICT and digital
1
1. Ensure the education system is aligned with the needs of businesses for ICT and digital technology skills technologies makes to the Scottish economy
2. Increase the number and relevance of graduates available to enter the ICT and digital technology sector 2. To ensure individuals and careers influencers (parents, teachers and careers advisers) are aware of the careers opportunities in ICT
3. Improve the collaborations between industry and education and digital technologies
Inception Inception Purpose of the Skills
Action Description Expected outcomes Key partners Action Description Expected outcomes Key partners
timescale timescale Investment Plan
Explore best practice and encourage Autumn 2014 Develop bespoke Labour Market Autumn 2014
2
SCHOOLS/ the establishment of national/regional Information (LMI) and communication
tripartite groups to facilitate industry, Education Scotland, Improving strategy to support teachers, careers
COLLEGES: Industry, FE,/HE,
school, FE and HE engagement Industry cites less skills issues HE, FE, Local awareness of ICT advisers and professionals in FE and HE Increased uptake of ICT/
Wood Schools, Local
with ICT/digital technology Authorities, SICSA, and digital computing related subjects
Commission/ Increase the number of engagements Winter 2014 Identify and appoint 32 ‘digital Authorities, SDS, Summer 2014
related graduates SFC, Schools, technology at school, FE and HE
Curriculum technology’ STEM ambassadors to STEMnet
development
and collaborations between industry Industry careers The importance of
and education through an industry work across each Local Authority area
led coordination function in Scotland the sector
COLLEGES/ Deliver a multi-channel, promotional Increased awareness of the Spring 2014
UNIVERSITIES:
Internships,
work placements
and graduate
Deliver 750 work placements for HE/FE
students through e-placement Scotland
by 2016
Industry cite less skills issues
with ICT and digital technology
related graduates
e-Skills UK,
e-Placement
Scotland, Industry,
FE, HE, SFC, SICSA,
Autumn 2014
Improving
and educational campaign to target
key groups including young people,
women, parents and new entrants
from other sectors
career opportunities within the
ICT/digital technologies sector
across individuals and careers
influencers Local Authorities,
3
ScotlandIS awareness of ICT
recruitment SDS, ScotlandIS,
and digital Align and enhance online careers and Increased uptake of ICT/ Summer 2014
SE, HIE, Industry,
ALL: Work Extend/develop work placement and Industry cite less skills issues
Education Scotland,
Spring 2015
technology industry resources such as My World computer related subjects at
e-Skills UK
Key skills issues
Industry, FE, HE, Local careers of Work, Big Ambition Scotland and school, FE and HE
placement for knowledge exchange opportunities with ICT and digital technology
4
Authorities, SFC, Our Skillsforce
educators for educators in schools, FE and HE related graduates Reduced numbers of ICT/digital
SICSA, ScotlandIS
Showcase ICT/digital technologies in technology businesses citing Summer 2014
two regional ‘Careers World’ venues unfilled vacancies
Establish a Women Into IT Programme Autumn 2014
to raise awareness of the career Increased numbers of women Developing an
opportunities and provide an choosing ICT/digital
Addressing the introductory training programme technology subjects at school, action plan
SRC, SWIT, Industry,
gender imbalance and work experience FE and HE Schools, SDS,
5
in ICT and digital
Deliver 6 career development workshops Improved retention rates for ScotlandIS Summer 2014
technology roles
each year and an annual event to women in ICT/digital
support women currently in the ICT and technology careers
digital technology workplace
Action plan
6
Monitoring
Appendices &
AcknowledgementsHome page
6
The action plan will The ICT and digital technologies skills action
plan will develop a clear and transparent Foreword &
be delivered under the performance framework to monitor the Introduction
progress of individual actions, as well “Skills will continue
guidance of the ICT and to play an integral
1
as the overall performance of the SIP.
digital technologies skills Baseline data for the indicators of success
will be collated and the overall success role in the achievement
Monitoring group, who will also have will be measured against: of strategic
• increasing the size of the ICT and digital
a role in monitoring technologies talent pool in Scotland
objectives” Purpose of the Skills
its success and impact. • increasing the proportion of women
Investment Plan
employed in the ICT and digital
technologies sector
• increasing the number of appropriately
skilled ICT and computer related graduates
2
• increasing the numbers of young The importance of
people who choose ICT and computing
related subjects at school, further and
the sector
higher education
• reducing the number of employers who
cite unfilled vacancies and skills gaps
in their workforce.
3
To support the implementation of the ICT
and digital technologies skills action plan, Key skills issues
funding has been secured through the
Scottish Government’s Digital Scotland
Business Excellence Partnership for 2014/15
and 2015/16. The Business Excellence
Partnership Board will also have strategic
oversight of the portfolio of work which
4
will be delivered to ensure the effective
deployment of these resources. It is
Developing an
proposed that an update on the progress action plan
and impact of the ICT and digital
5
technologies skills action plan will be
presented in one year’s time with a formal
evaluation undertaken at two years.
Action plan
6
Monitoring
Appendices &
AcknowledgementsNext
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Appendix 1 - Appendix 2 - Appendix 3 - Table 1: ITP Modern Apprenticeships (2008-Mar 2013) Foreword &
Introduction
SIP development Definitions Evidence tables New starts Achievements
process
1
Female Male Total Female Male Total
2008/09 7 17 24 19 79 98
The SIP was developed by SDS with • desk based analysis of the scale, One of the issues for the ICT and digital Modern Apprenticeships (MAs)
support from an external consultant size and key drivers of the industry technologies sector is that a number Modern Apprenticeships offer vocational 2009/10 3 27 30 5 39 44
who completed research and consultations of definitions are used by different training across a variety of skills.
2010/11 11 185 196 9 106 115
Purpose of the Skills
• engagement with 33 Scottish businesses
under the guidance of the SIP Steering
to test and explore the identified issues
organisations. For example the terms Table 1 shows new starts and achievements Investment Plan
Group. This steering group comprised “IT”, “digital” and “computing” are often in relation to the Information Technology 2011/12 68 276 344 35 153 188
of colleagues from ScotlandIS, e-skills UK, in more detail, as well as to validate used interchangeably despite there being Professional (ITP) MA framework.
Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands
Enterprise, SDS and the Technology
Advisory Group (TAG).
and prioritise them to inform the
development of an action plan. A range
of businesses across the central belt,
Aberdeen and Highlands and Islands were
important differences. In particular there
can be confusion in schools/education
between ICT and computing.
School provision
2012/13 77 391 468 29
Table 2: Entries to Scottish computing qualifications (2007-2011)
165 194
2
A significant amount of research had consulted. The sample covered a range The following provides a definition SQA collect data on the uptake of
already been conducted into the Scottish of business sizes including SME’s with of the terminology used in the SIP: computer related qualifications at school. 2007 2011 Change % Change The importance of
ICT and digital technologies sector and as few as 10 employees, to large • ICT and digital technologies: the Table 2 shows the percentage change the sector
the SIP builds on the research and analysis multinationals with 4,000 employees terminology used in the SIP when of uptake over the period 2007 – 2011. Standard grade 16,040 11,660 -4,380 -27%
already completed by public sector in Scotland referring to ICT and digital technology
and industry partners.
A key element of the SIP development was
the review and synthesis of these materials.
• consultations with key stakeholders
and industry representatives to provide
a wider industry perspective to the
professionals working within and out
|with the sector
• IT & telecoms: the name for the e-skills
Higher
Intermediate 1
4,180
2,024
4,128
1,681
-52
-343
-1%
-17% 3
Intermediate 2 2,682 3,157 475 18%
In particular these included the e-skills skills issues. UK 2012 sector definition and which was
UK “Technology Insights” and the agreed to be the best fit definition for
ScotlandIS “Scottish Technology Industry the desk research element of the Skills Teaching provision Table 3: Computer studies teachers (main subject) (2008-2012) Key skills issues
Surveys”. A mapping of trends of uptake Investment Plan Over the four year period (2008-2012)
Computing Studies All subjects As a % of all
4
of ICT/Computing related provision in the number of teachers with computing
schools, HE and FE was also completed. • information technology (IT) - The use
of computers in industry, commerce
studies as their main subject area has subjects
decreased by 13.8% (106 teachers).
A fact finding visit to the Digital Skills and elsewhere, including aspects of It has been reported that some schools 2008 766 24,418 3.1%
Academy in Dublin was taken by SDS systems architecture, human factors do not have any dedicated provision 2012 660 22,460 2.9%
and members of the ICT SIP Steering and project management. for teaching ICT/computing. Developing an
Group. The purpose of this visit was to Change -106 -1,958 action plan
learn from their experiences and to inform When referring to education, there is
an important distinction made between % Change -13.8% -8.0%
the SIP action plan specifically in relation
5
to opportunities for transition training. ICT and computing skills, as follows:
• ICT (information communication Further education provision Table 4: Further education students (2005/06-2010/11)
Key elements of the SIP development technology) skills - relates to pupils A wide range of subjects such as
process has included: developing the skills to use modern digital Computing Science and Maths can lead Computing related courses Scotland As a % of
• review and synthesis of existing Labour technology - computers, smart phones, to careers in ICT and digital technologies Scotland
Market Information and research tablets and these are likely to involve and consequently the SIP has identified
produced by e-skills UK, ScotlandIS, using search, messaging, email, word that a key action is to better understand 2005/06 63,101 447,085 14.1% Action plan
CT Industry Advisory Group, Talent processing, spreadsheet, presentational the supply, demand, retention and graduate 2010/11 42,940 383,336 11.2%
Scotland and Scottish Enterprise software. e-skills UK and some other
6
destinations. Table 4 and 5 show the
organisations define this as digital literacy uptake of computing related courses at FE Table 5: All students undertaking computer science courses Scotland
and only computer science courses at HE.
• computing/computer science -
The academic discipline, encompassing Computer science course Scotland As a % of
programming languages, data structures Scotland
and algorithms.
2005/06 10,395 215,830 4.8%
Monitoring
2010/11 9,060 221,075 4.1%
Change -1,335 5,245
% Change -12.9% 2.4%
Appendices &
AcknowledgementsPrevious Next
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Appendix 4 - Appendix 5 - Foreword &
Introduction
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consultations
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Monitoring
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