5. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that Scotland’s further education sector is aligned with the needs of businesses within the renewables sector and other industries associated with the green economy. (S6O-03210)

Our education and skills system is already adapting to the transition to net zero, and institutions such as colleges are key anchors. With funding from the Scottish Funding Council, the Energy Skills Partnership acts as the college sector lead for the transition to net zero and directly supports institutions in developing their capability, capacity and curriculum pathways for the transition. The ESP also engages with employers on behalf of the sector, establishing partnerships across the further education sector and industry to enable the green economy.

For apprenticeship week last week I visited a firm of electrical engineers in Kilmarnock, Aird Walker & Ralston. Its representatives said that sluggish growth or a lack of growth is a problem, because the company struggles to recruit the appropriate apprentices. They say that the biggest problem is that school pupils are unaware of potential careers through apprenticeships in areas such as electrical engineering. Colleges have the capacity to deliver the engineers that we need for the green economy, but there seems to be a missing link between schools, businesses and colleges. What can the Scottish Government do to ensure that career guidance includes the opportunities that apprenticeships can bring in the growing green economy?

Brian Whittle raises a relevant point. The promotion of green skills in relation to career options for young people is incredibly important. I was at North East Scotland College in Aberdeen on Monday, where we were discussing just that issue: ensuring that young people are encouraged to consider careers in energy and other such sectors as long-term career opportunities. The careers service absolutely has a role to play in that, but alongside and working in conjunction with employers, who can perhaps offer work experience opportunities, as well as working with colleges to shape their curriculums.

I am happy to engage further with Brian Whittle on the matter.

The Presiding Officer:

Question 6 has been withdrawn.