Thousands of Scottish workers will gain new skills and enhance
their career prospects through a £2 million investment delivered
by trade unions.
The latest round of the Scottish Government's Union Learning Fund
will support 23 programmes in sectors ranging from social care to
the steel industry.
Projects include helping workers seize the opportunities
presented by the transition to net zero industries. In Glasgow,
access to literacy and numeracy courses will be expanded to
support an ongoing apprenticeships initiative at City
Building.
A number of projects will also address specific skills needs in
the Highlands and Islands, including courses designed to help
workers adapt to new technologies in the offshore wind industry.
Announcing the funding during Scottish Careers Week and following
a speech at the Scottish Union Learning Conference, Higher and
Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said:
"This investment will open up opportunities for thousands of
people across Scotland to boost their career prospects and
increase their earning potential.
“Working in partnership with trade unions ensures workers gain
high-quality, industry relevant skills, while contributing to the
development of the skilled workforce Scotland needs. This latest
commitment builds on more than £30 million which we
have provided to date."
Scottish Trades Union Congress General Secretary Roz Foyer said:
“We welcome this funding announcement which will provide vital
assistance in upskilling Scotland's workers.
“Trade unions are at the forefront of work-based learning,
helping workers across Scotland face head-on ever shifting
dynamics within the workplace. The world of work is changing.
Scotland's workers stand ready to adapt, take on the challenges
and broaden their horizons. The learning and development the
trade union movement can offer is crucial in supporting workers
to gain skills and training opportunities that would otherwise be
inaccessible. “
Background
Scottish Union Learning estimates that tens of thousands of
people have benefited from its programmes since 2015.
16 trade unions are being supported by the Scottish Union
Learning Fund in 2025-26 including:
- UNISON – To provide learning and development for workers in
social care, schools and across public services, with particular
initiatives tailored to the needs of workers in the Highlands and
Islands.
- Unite the Union – To deliver a skills development programme
and organising upskilling and reskilling opportunities within
unionised workplaces. The programme supports workers facing
redundancy and those in precarious employment, including
initiatives responding to regional needs in the Highlands and
Islands.
- Community – To support skills development for workers in
diverse workplaces, including Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft
Industries, Liberty Steel and court services, helping
participants enhance employability and adapt to industrial
change.
