Question reference: S6W-20098
- Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 25 July 2023
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Current status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 22 August 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to (a) people over 30, (b) single parents, (c) people on low incomes and (d) carers, to move into green jobs, including in relation to training and upskilling, in light of reports that such training requires significant time commitment and can result in a real-terms pay cut that many people cannot afford.
Answer
The National Strategy for Economic Transformation sets out the need to strengthen Scotland’s position in new markets and industries, generating new, well-paid jobs through a just transition to net zero and a highly skilled workforce is critical to the delivery of that ambition.
Our No One Left Behind approach will support a growing number of green jobs and innovation activity by offering all-age employability support to all who require it with a focus on helping those furthest from the labour market with the most complex barriers to gaining and sustaining fair work, such as carers, single parents, and those on low incomes.
The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards a range of loans, bursaries and living-cost grants to eligible students to assist with their expenses while studying. This can include providing support with living costs for those who have had to reduce their working hours in order to undergo training and upskilling. Detailed information for specific groups can be found on the SAAS website including grants for lone parents and undergraduate students with the lowest household incomes - Student Awards Agency Scotland - SAAS - Funding Your Future .
Apprenticeships are another a key tool for employers to invest in their workforce, providing the skills the economy needs now and, in the future. The Scottish Government will continue to work collaboratively with Skills Development Scotland, the Scottish Funding Council, and the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board to maximise apprenticeships and prioritise a just transition that creates new green jobs, supporting the long-term future of work-based learning and the economy.