Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is Scotland’s national skills body. We contribute to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth by supporting people and businesses to develop and apply their skills. We work with our partners to provide services that deliver the very best outcomes for Scotland’s people, businesses and the economy.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) works proactively with companies across the country to support employers to make the most of apprenticeships.
The Career Review is the most comprehensive review of Scotland’s career services in a generation.
Find out more
View the 'Careers by Design' report and accompanying resources from the Career Review Programme Board.
The Career Review has co-designed ten evidence-based recommendations with young people and stakeholders.
Explore the extensive evidence base gathered on the Scottish Career System through commissioned reports and additional whitepapers.
The Programme Board will work with practitioners, stakeholders, career influencers and those with lived experience on the next stage of the Career Review.
Strategic Plan 2019-22
Annual Review 2020/21
SDS Publication Schedule
Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks
SDS Operating Plan 2021-22
We work with a wide range of national and local partners to improve, align and integrate our services for customers.
Our web service, offering expert information and advice on careers, that's free to access for any individual - wherever they are in their learning or working life.
Our online service for Scottish apprenticeships. Find current vacancies and information on how to become an apprentice, as well as employer support on recruiting apprentices.
Our Skillsforce helps employers to locate and access local support, from advice to HR and funding - alongside information to help businesses engage with education.
Our web service which helps parents and carers support their children to make career decisions, guided by information on the future world of work.
Developed in collaboration with industry, Digital World promotes careers in Scotland's digital technologies sector.
All of Skills Development Scotland's policies in one place
Take a look at our policies below, or alternatively you can search for policies in the Publications and Statistics section.
How to access and request information held by Skills Development Scotland.
Information on SDS's commitment as a Corporate Parent and ways to get in touch.
Information on SDS's commitment to equality and diversity.
Information on our procurement policy.
We are are committed to dealing with complaints fairly and quickly.
Raising any concerns you have allows us to stop activities that have an adverse affect on SDS services.