1. Scotland update Justine Fosh
CEO National Skills Academy Food and Drink ( Improve )

2. Agenda MA contribution rates Framework changes Infrastructure Changes
Future Activities

3. MA Contribution Rates MA Contribution rates – changes
No real clarity on rationale and approach
Considerable reductions to rates
We are challenging the rate change

4. Contribution Rates
Whilst there are some differences the rates are not , in our view, out of line as they stand now in Scotland

5. Basis of the Challenge
Food and Drink Key economic sector - Wood Commission recommendations ?
Some frameworks have seen rises so basis cannot be austerity
No transparency of decision making
No evidence of businesses making contributions (Audit Scotland report)
Food and drink particularly consists of private providers who are experts in apprenticeships – will affect viability of providers
Will reduce numbers overall
Will reduce numbers of Level 3’s –key target for growth

6. Challenge- Process to date
Appeal document written
Providers communicated and given opportunity to input
Secured support from key industry bodies in Scotland
Amends made
Submission will be made by end of this week
Opportunity
If successful in getting the rates considered we may need to work with you to review and determine appropriate rates
What is the best way ? By Framework?
Who would be interested in getting involved?

7. Framework Changes Changes to the MA Frameworks
Deletion of Livestock Droving
(SQA & SFMTA SVQ 2 in Food and Drink Operations (Livestock Market Droving Skills) at SCQF Level 5 )
Future addition
Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance SVQ L3

8. Infrastructure Change
SFDSA
3 year funded project , now drawing to an end
Achieved some fantastic outcomes
Learner numbers, new entrants to the industry via Tasty Jobs, determining industry priorities for key subsectors , building a network of dedicated providers
Provided mechanism for Improve to have representation and contact with industry and providers
Review underway to determine future direction and requirement given funding constraints
Considerations
Themes emerging from the SIP
Budget confirmations for agencies
Future infrastructure needs
Management transferred to Abertay of remaining staff member
Board remain committed to determining the future
MA /SSC related matters to come directly to Improve (Certification team or call me!)

9. Future Activity SSC World UKCES no more as of September
Scottish skills system relies on strong SSC’s for NOS, quals and framework , MA approvals, certification , annual forecasting for SDS contracts
Still no funding and decreasing benefits of scale
England no longer using NOS and NVQ’s – Trailblazer apprenticeship standards replacing frameworks; certification by IAO’s ?
Wales , NI and Scotland working together for next 12 months to agree priorities and funding for NOS.
Any issues to be aware of in the current qualifications?
Skills Investment Plan
Future developments will come from the needs identified in the construction of the new SIP for Food and Drink and from subsector work around skills
Discussing ideas around a new technical framework for the industry
Foundation apprenticeship opportunities being discussed
Your thoughts? Opportunities and issues for consideration?

10. Questions

11. Future Activity

12. Industry Sectors All routes Dairy Technologist Baker Butcher Baker
Fishmonger