SQA hosts Scottish Training Federation conference

Thursday 10 October 2024

Pictured are John McMorris, Director of Business Development at SQA, Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education, Caroline McFarlane, STF Chair and Stuart McKenna, STF Chief Executive.

SQA has hosted partners from the Scottish Training Federation (STF) at its offices for their annual autumn conference.  

Titled Let’s talk – The future of Apprenticeships, Employability and Skills in Scotland, the STF welcomed training providers from all over the country to Glasgow to talk about the importance of collaboration and partnerships within the skills and training sector. 

Among the speakers on the day were Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education; John McMorris, Director of Business Development at SQA; Diane Greenlees, Director of National Training Programmes at Skills Development Scotland; Pauline Radcliffe, Chief Executive of SCQF Partnership; Jane Duffy, Unit Head, Post School Qualifications at the Scottish Government; and Stuart McKenna, Chief Executive of the Scottish Training Federation. 

The sessions were hosted by STF Chair Caroline McFarlane and Kevin Briggs, STF Vice Chair for Events.  

Delegates also had the opportunity to participate in a number of workshops covering topics such as the role of the SQA Coordinator, reform of apprenticeships, and the Scottish Government’s employability strategic plan, No One Left Behind. 

In his opening remarks to the conference, John McMorris, SQA Business Development Director, said: ‘SQA and STF collaborate regularly on many areas of work, including service provision, product development, quality in qualifications delivery, and the promotion of apprenticeships and vocational qualifications. I am delighted to welcome valued partners and conference delegates to SQA offices in Glasgow for the day. 

‘While SQA is transitioning to Qualifications Scotland, we continue to work with the training and skills community in Scotland to deliver for learners, for employers and for the economy – from school level, through college, training and lifelong learning. 

‘We will continue to work with skills and training providers to award and certificate a wide range of qualifications such as those that contribute to Modern Apprenticeships, Scottish Vocational Qualifications, and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas as well as many Customised Awards. These qualifications provide Scotland with the skills it needs for every aspect of the economy.’ 

Stuart McKenna, Chief Executive of the Scottish Training Federation, said: ‘We are grateful to SQA for its continued support and the offer to host our conference at its premises. While the debate regarding skills reform continues, training providers remain at the heart of the skills sector, delivering valuable, practical qualifications that support individuals, employers, and the wider economy. Bringing our members together gives us the opportunity to collaborate, listen to one another and contribute to the dialogue between government and skills stakeholders and amplify the voice and experience of our members.’