The Scottish economy is changing quickly, driven by transformational shifts such as AI and the transition to net zero, reshaping skills and labour markets. This means planning and investment decisions rely more than ever on timely, high-quality evidence. The role of the SDS Data Insights and Impact team is to turn complex information into clear, trusted insight, helping partners understand emerging challenges and opportunities. As change continues, our work helps ensure decisions are informed, inclusive and grounded in robust evidence.
As part of the Workforce North programme, SDS is working with partners across the Highlands and Islands to strengthen understanding of workforce challenges and opportunities and support evidence-based decision making.
A key area of work is improving understanding of how learners in the Highlands and Islands progress through education, training and employment pathways. While there is data available on participation and outcomes, there is less understanding of how individuals navigate different routes through the skills system and the factors that influence progression.
The primary aim of this internship is to support the development of a learner journey evidence base for Workforce North, with a focus on quantitative analysis. The project will draw on available SDS data sources to explore and understand learner pathways, identify key transition points, examine patterns and gaps and highlight opportunities to improve progression and outcomes.
More detailed requirements of the PhD intern would be to:
- Review existing evidence on learner pathways, progression and outcomes.
- Analyse available SDS data and research to identify patterns and trends.
- Develop learner journey maps and other visual outputs to communicate findings.
- Identify barriers and enablers influencing progression through education, training and employment.
- Highlight evidence gaps and opportunities for further research and analysis.
- Produce briefing papers, presentations and other outputs for SDS and partner audiences.
- Present findings and recommendations to colleagues and stakeholders.
The PhD intern will be fully supported by the SDS Evidence and Impact team, with lots of opportunities for teamwork and shared learning.
