New plan for Forth Valley focuses on growing talent

The plan involved consultation with employers across the region to ensure it offers a framework for a region-wide effort to align skills provision with the needs of businesses and the wider economy. 

It aims to provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the people and businesses of the region to raise participation rates of groups across the labour market, improving equality, diversity and inclusion in the workforce and create a wider talent pool for employers in the region. 

The main goals of the plan are: 

• ensuring businesses in Forth Valley have the people and skills to flourish, 
• providing a just and fair labour market for people living and working in Forth Valley, 
• ensuring a collaborative approach to addressing regional skills needs. 

In 2024, employment in Forth Valley was estimated at 131,900. The workforce has grown in the past decade and forecasts point to continued growth of 1.8% between 2024-2027, slightly slower than the national level of 1.9%. 

Forecasts show that the greatest number of people are going to be required in human health and social work activities, highlighting the strong awareness of careers and clear pathways in the sector. 

Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College said: “We are delighted to be a key partner of the Forth Valley Regional Skills Action Plan.  

“This is a key strategic forward plan for the region, and as the region’s skills training provider, we are proud to support the creation of the plan, which clearly defines the future skills needs of the region and how the college will play an integral part in the delivery. 

“We’re fully committed to working in partnership and collaboration with schools, universities, local authorities and industry partners to ensure the training needs for the region are transformational and where every individual has options and feels empowered to reach their full potential and beyond.  

“Forth Valley College is already advancing the region’s skills needs through its extensive Modern Apprenticeship provision, full-time and part-time courses in Engineering, Construction, Health & Social Care and Early Education, and the Regional Skills Action Plan will enhance our offerings to ensure Forth Valley’s and Scotland’s economies flourish.”

Professor Paul Townsend, Deputy Principal for Research and Innovation at the University of Stirling, said: “As Forth Valley’s research-led university – and one of the largest regional employers – we are proud to play a central, anchoring role in shaping and supporting the Forth Valley Regional Skills Action Plan. This is a crucial initiative that recognises both the challenges we face and the opportunities we must seize to build a thriving, inclusive and future-ready regional economy. 

“We are committed to working collaboratively with partners across education, industry, government and the third sector ensuring the region’s people and employers are equipped with the skills they need to succeed. From addressing immediate needs in key sectors such as health, community and social care, to driving forward longer-term priorities including digital integration & transformation, data science, and the transition to net zero, this plan reflects the breadth of our shared ambition. 

“We’re already advancing this agenda through innovation, applied research, and a strong focus on widening access, graduate employability and lifelong learning. This plan strengthens our collective commitment to creating a skills ecosystem that empowers individuals, supports businesses, and builds resilience across Forth Valley for years to come.” 

Ronnie Palin, Regional Skills Planning Lead at SDS, said: “Creating a dynamic, resilient, inclusive and intelligence-led skills system that supports employers to invest in their current and future workforce is crucial to Forth Valley’s current and future prosperity. 

“It is a key element in developing a sustainable and competitive regional economy in which people can enjoy rewarding and fulfilling careers, increase the attractiveness of the area as a place to live, work and invest. 

“The plan makes clear that partnership working is essential if these ambitions are to be realised, and SDS is committed to working with partners across all sectors to support the people and businesses of the Forth Valley region.” 

The plan will support the skills elements of the Forth Valley Regional Economic Strategy and the recently published Grangemouth Industrial Just Transition Plan.