Select subject Select subject SQA welcomes delegates to STF conference SQA hosted the Scottish Training Federation's annual conference at its offices in Glasgow. 071025_STFConference_NickPage_200x135.jpg SQA welcomes delegates to Scottish Training Federation conference 7 October 2025 None 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." 115187 447 08-OCT-2025 Wed, 8 Oct 2025 10:10:43 +0000 NEW Scottish qualifications recognised in Indian education system SQA Advanced qualifications are now benchmarked against Indian National Skills Qualification Framework. 170925_SQA_Benchmarking_India_MainImage_200x135.jpg Scottish qualifications recognised in Indian education system 16 September 2025 None Wednesday 17 September 2025 SQA Advanced qualifications now benchmarked against Indian National Skills Qualification Framework Indian students gain clear pathway to globally recognised qualifications and international university progression Partnership supports India's economic goals while strengthening Scotland's international education presence Students in India will gain clearer access to globally recognised qualifications following a comprehensive benchmarking of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Advanced programmes within India's education system. The benchmarking report, conducted by global education experts ECCTIS, finds that SQA Advanced qualifications are comparable to India’s National Skills Qualification Framework. SQA Advanced Certificates align with NSQF Level 4.5, whilst SQA Advanced Diplomas match Level 5.0. The initiative provides Indian students with transparent reference points for acquiring industry-relevant skills in high-demand fields including Business, Software Development, Electronic Engineering, and Hospitality Management. Students completing SQA Advanced Diplomas can progress to third-year entry at partner universities across North America, Europe, and Asia, enabling degree completion within three years. For India, this partnership bridges the gap between domestic education standards and international qualifications. The alignment supports the country's National Education Policy 2020 emphasis on skills development and flexible learning pathways, helping cultivate an industry-ready workforce that enhances economic growth. The credit-based structure allows students to complete a one-year SQA Advanced Certificate before progressing to the two-year SQA Advanced Diploma, developing both specialist expertise and transferable skills for direct employment or further academic study. "Achieving an SQA Advanced Diploma is an excellent way for learners to develop expertise in their chosen field," said Margaret Curran, International Regional Manager at SQA. "This benchmarking work in India means that local students can embark on the first two years of a degree programme in their home country, with clear pathways to complete a third year at one of SQA's progression partner universities." Gillian Hepburn, Head of International at SQA, added: "Our international partners recognise the value we offer, which allows Scotland, as an outward-looking nation, to contribute to and benefit from the international community. This aligns perfectly with the Scottish Government's international strategy, promoting Scottish education and Scotland worldwide." The benchmarking reinforces Scotland's commitment to international education partnerships whilst providing Indian students enhanced opportunities for career progression and global mobility. More information about SQA Advanced Certificates and Diplomas, and a copy of the benchmarking report, can be found here. 114987 447 18-SEP-2025 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:47:50 +0000 UPDATED
