1. Fiona Hyslop, MSP Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh Re : Technological Studies A subject in crisis within Scottish Education Time to act. Dear Ms Hyslop, I am writing on behalf of a number of Technology Teachers, to bring to your attention an issue affecting Technological Education in secondary schools in Scotland. The subject in question is Technological Studies – an introduction to the world of Engineering. This letter will provide a brief historical overview, the current trends, and provide suggestions for how we can improve. Yours sincerely John McColl & Alan Craig Scottish Technology Teachers Click me

2. Erosion Of Engineering Skills Scotland has a rich heritage in engineering and technological innovation. Changing world market forces have led to the closure of much of Scotland’s heavy and medium Engineering in the Central belt. However, things have recovered with a new focus on the oil industry in the North Sea, which is continuing to evolve, demanding new technologies to extract the considerable reserves remaining, for many years to come. A common problem in industry throughout Scotland today is that many companies complain they cannot get enough young people to train. Youngsters are not choosing Engineering as their career path in sufficient numbers. Many personnel have to be “imported” from abroad at a time when so many young Scots are searching for a career. Click me

3. Engineering in schools Scottish schools have a long history of teaching engineering. Wood and Metal work courses, Technical Drawing and Engineering Science being the subjects many parents still relate to technical departments in schools. The courses have evolved to reflect modern trends and have taken on new names : Craft & Design, Graphic Communication and Technological Studies. Click here to watch an overview of Technological Studies. Click me