The power and potential of using the internet to communicate with the Highlands and Islands was underlined last week at the Highlands and Islands Learning Centre Network annual conference.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning discussed the Scottish Government’s new skills strategy with more than 130 delegates from across the Highlands and Islands live over the web.
She was joined by Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of learndirect scotland and Laurence Young, Principal of Lochaber College at the virtual conference that was broadcast live via Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s dedicated skills and training website, Learningworks.
During her speech, which was broadcast from Lochaber College UHI in Fort William, the Cabinet Secretary detailed the Scottish Government’s plans from the new skills strategy, Skills for Scotland.
Ms Hyslop discussed the impending formation of a new body called Skills Development Scotland (SDS), which will play a crucial role in helping to deliver the new strategy.
She also highlighted the role learning centres would play in assisting with the delivery of the new strategy.
She said: “We want to create more quality lifelong learning opportunities and improve access for people in the Highlands and Islands. Learning centres have an important role to play - by providing access to learning and training they are helping individuals to realise their potential and contributing to a stronger economy.
“The learning centre strategy group is an excellent example of learning centres and partner agencies working together and playing a key role in widening access to training, learning, guidance and employability-related activities.”