The partnership will support 3 new PhD studentships for the academic year 2020/2021. Their research will provide new knowledge and insights to help advance the understanding of key skills issues from a Scottish perspective.

The overall purpose of the SDS-SGSSS PhD scheme is to engage with the academic community to support the production of new, high-quality research focused on the Scottish labour market. It will:

• Contribute to the development of a cadre of high-quality academic researchers with a deep knowledge of the Scottish skills landscape
• Provide SDS with access to high-quality academic research around topics of longer-term interest
• Increase the range and scope of SDS engagement with academic experts in support of skills policy

Current research topics include:

• Future models of enriched careers advice using machine learning
• Upskilling & reskilling workforces to transition from declining occupations to growth occupations
• Learner Journey pathways in Scotland