Skills Planning
The Skills Planning Model is core to SDS’s role and purpose.
It shows how we aim to improve the response of education, training and careers services to the needs of industry and ensure that people have the best possible chance of succeeding in the world of work.
In order for individuals to achieve their potential, they must be equipped with the skills that Scotland’s economy and its employers need. Achieving this relies on:
- Building a robust evidence base which articulates the current and future skills demands of Scotland
- Intensive partnership work, at both a local and national level, to ensure that skills investment is evidence-based and aligned with skills demand
- Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) services that understand and use the evidence base, so that individuals are supported to make informed choices.

Evidence and Impact
Detailing and understanding Scotland’s current and future skills demand is a key part of the Skills Planning Model.
Skills Investment Plans and Skills Action Plans
We provide a wealth of information on how skills can drive growth and opportunities in Scotland’s sectors and regions. Find out what we, and our partners, are doing to bring these plans to life.
Regional Skills Investment Plans
Our Skills Investment Planning approach extended to include Regional Skills Investment Plans, which recognise the diverse needs of regions across Scotland.
Regional Skills Assessments
Regional Skills Assessments provide a coherent evidence base to inform future investment in skills, built up from existing datasets and forecasts.
Green Skills Research and Evidence
The latest intelligence on green jobs and skills in Scotland.
Skills Action Plan for Rural Scotland
The Skills Action Plan for Rural Scotland sets out our partnership approach to developing the skills and talent needed to make sure that Scotland’s rural economy and communities continue to flourish and grow.