Skills Development Scotland receives industry recognition at national awards in Edinburgh
A pilot partnership project involving Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the City of Glasgow College (CoGC) and Financial Services companies in Glasgow has won a prestigious industry award.
‘Fast Track’, a six-week work-readiness course developed for HND/degree level under or unemployed graduates progressing a career in financial services, has been announced as winner in the Pioneer category at this year’s Scottish Financial Services awards on the October 24, 2019 in Edinburgh.
The awards celebrate the very best in Scotland’s financial services industry. ‘Fast Track’ was amongst three finalists in the ‘Pioneer’ category which recognises innovative working within the sector.
Responding to demand from the financial and business sector, SDS led work with financial services’ employers (chaired by Barclays) and the City of Glasgow College, to deliver the innovative work-readiness course.
Scott Stewart, head of Barclays Scotland and chair of Glasgow Financial Services Hub, said: “This is a well-deserved achievement for this unique course. Financial Services is a major employer in Glasgow with over 48,000 people employed in the sector. Fast Track provides an amazing opportunity for students to learn the skills that Financial Services companies, in Glasgow, need to support their long-term growth plans.
“The course is practical in its delivery with valuable content which is co-designed and delivered by industry experts, to enhance the opportunities and progression of young people looking to start their career.”
Ian Hanson, financial services sector manager at SDS, said: “Winning Pioneer category of the SFS Awards is hugely encouraging and demonstrates Fast Track's collaborative and innovative approach with industry and learning providers.”
The course has been co-designed and delivered with financial services companies - ensuring that the six-week programme meets industry needs and, for participants, provides a strong position to secure future employment.
Ian added: “Financial services companies' involvement has been critical to the Fast Track approach and the industry award reflects the collective effort in the project’s development.
“Close working with business and learning providers is key to ensuring that the financial services sector has a future workforce with the right skills and experience.”
Paul Little, principal and chief executive of City of Glasgow College, said: “City of Glasgow College is very much a pioneering college so we are delighted to have won this particular award. Our partnership with Skills Development Scotland has created an innovative new route into the financial services sector which will greatly benefit both industry and our students.”
The ‘Fast Track’ programme is open to new applicants for its November and January intake, with a similar approach has been launched in the east, covering Fife and Edinburgh’s financial services sector. Further information is available here.