Question reference: S5W-30058
- Asked by: Iain Gray, MSP for East Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 18 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 2 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether restrictions have been placed on the Individual Training Account scheme for 2020-21 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and, if so, in what sectors.
Answer
Our revised approach to Individual Training Accounts and the manner in which they will be delivered, are based on updated labour market intelligence identifying sectors likely to have skills gaps and job openings, and restrictions necessarily placed on areas of the economy as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The impact of the restriction would mean that courses within Hospitality, Security, Adult Literacy and Numeracy, Health, Beauty and Fitness, and Languages will not be offered during Phase 1.
In terms of planning for Phase 2, we will use the interim period to review, adapt and refocus the programme in line with emerging labour market intelligence and ensure further recommendations of the ESSB Sub-Group are incorporated.