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.
In this Corporate Plan for the 2019–2022 we set out the first stage of how we will enable people, mobilise employers and influence the skills system.
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To ensure Scotland’s retains a skilled workforce, we are working in with others to chart out a vision we are calling Scotland 2035 – A Human Future.
Discover real examples of the impact our work has on people, businesses and the Scottish learning and skills system in our strategic plan case studies.
Find out how we're working with other enterprise and skills agencies.
Looking to read our full Strategic Plan?
A summary document for our Strategic Plan 2019-22.
Strategic Plan 2019-22
Annual Review 2018-19
SDS Publication Schedule
Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks
SDS Operating Plan 2019-20
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.
Our publications section cover a wide range of subjects. Quickly get the information you need using the search and filter options.
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Corporate publications
PDF 7079Kb
In this Strategic Plan for the coming three years, 2019-22, we set out the first stage of how we will enable people, mobilise employers and collectively create a more dynamic, responsive skills system, towards achieving the Scotland 2035 vision.
PDF 18261Kb
Our achievements over the past year including performance results and the delivery of new and improved products and services across Scotland.
Equality Impact Assessments
PDF 1288Kb
Update to the Equalities Action Plan for Modern Apprenticeships.
SDS Stakeholder Briefings
PDF 609Kb
Our latest Gaelic language plan sets out new initiatives and clear measurable targets that highlight SDS’s commitment to Gaelic language and culture.
PDF 367Kb
A forward look at the upcoming publications from SDS.
Sustainability
PDF 484Kb
Overview of SDS's sustainability activities, statistics and achievements during 2015-16.