SQA welcomes delegates to Scottish Training Federation conference

Wednesday 8 October 2025

SQA Chief Executive Nick Page is joined at the STF conference by (l-r) Carloline McFarlane, STF Chair; Kellie Zdanowicz, STF Vice Chair; Jacqui Brasted, Scottish Funding Council; Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Helen Allison, Skills Development Scotland.

SQA hosted partners from the Scottish Training Federation (STF) at its Glasgow offices for their annual conference, bringing together training providers from across Scotland to strengthen collaboration within the skills sector.

The STF, which represents over 140 organisations delivering work-based training throughout Scotland, welcomed delegates to discuss how partnerships are driving innovation and excellence in skills development.

Speakers included Ben Macpherson MSP, the newly appointed Minister for Higher and Further Education; Nick Page, Chief Executive of SQA; and Jacqui Brasted, Director of Access, Learning and Outcomes at the Scottish Funding Council. The conference was chaired by STF Chair Caroline McFarlane and Kellie Zdanowicz, STF Vice Chair.

Interactive workshops explored key developments in the sector, including core skills and meta skills in Modern Apprenticeships, and how artificial intelligence is transforming qualifications and assessments.

The conference marked the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding between STF and SQA, reinforcing both organisations' commitment to supporting training providers through the transition to Qualifications Scotland.

Nick Page, SQA Chief Executive, said: "Building stronger partnerships with industry, employers, the third sector and stakeholders has been a key priority during my first 100 days. Our collaboration with STF and training providers across Scotland creates real, tangible benefits for learners at every stage of their careers.

"Meeting our training provider partners today allows me to reinforce our commitment to supporting them and their candidates throughout SQA's transition to Qualifications Scotland. We will continue delivering excellence for learners, employers and the economy – from schools through to colleges, training providers and lifelong learning."

Stuart McKenna, Chief Executive of STF, said: "SQA's continued partnership is invaluable to our sector. Training providers are at the heart of Scotland's skills ecosystem, delivering practical qualifications that benefit individuals, employers and our economy.

"This conference provides an excellent platform for our members to engage directly with Nick and Ben Macpherson, both new in their roles. Their fresh perspectives will help shape the future direction of skills development in Scotland."