29 June 2026
New ministerial appointment highlights Scotland’s careers, skills and innovation priorities
The Scottish Government has appointed Ben Macpherson MSP as Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, with responsibility for careers and young people’s transitions to work, Skills Development Scotland, apprenticeships, tertiary education, lifelong learning, qualifications, widening access, artificial intelligence, STEM and university research.
His appointment brings together key areas of Scotland’s education, skills and innovation agenda at a time of significant labour market change.
Mr Macpherson brings wide-ranging experience to the role. Before entering politics, he studied Philosophy and Politics at the University of York, completed postgraduate legal training at the University of Edinburgh and qualified as a solicitor. He has worked across financial services, renewable energy, the voluntary sector, education and hospitality. Since being elected MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith in 2016, he has held several ministerial roles, including portfolios covering Europe, migration, international development, public finance, social security, local government, rural affairs, and further and higher education.
His new remit places careers and skills firmly within Scotland’s wider economic ambitions. As technology, AI and labour market needs continue to evolve, career guidance and employability support will be central to helping people make informed choices throughout life and supporting employers to develop the skilled workforce they need.
The appointment also underlines the importance of collaboration between government, education, employers and the career development profession. The Career Development Institute continues to support professional standards, CPD and wider discussion on workforce capability, lifelong guidance and the future of career development.
Read more about the appointment of Ben Macpherson MSP.
His appointment brings together key areas of Scotland’s education, skills and innovation agenda at a time of significant labour market change.
Mr Macpherson brings wide-ranging experience to the role. Before entering politics, he studied Philosophy and Politics at the University of York, completed postgraduate legal training at the University of Edinburgh and qualified as a solicitor. He has worked across financial services, renewable energy, the voluntary sector, education and hospitality. Since being elected MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith in 2016, he has held several ministerial roles, including portfolios covering Europe, migration, international development, public finance, social security, local government, rural affairs, and further and higher education.
His new remit places careers and skills firmly within Scotland’s wider economic ambitions. As technology, AI and labour market needs continue to evolve, career guidance and employability support will be central to helping people make informed choices throughout life and supporting employers to develop the skilled workforce they need.
The appointment also underlines the importance of collaboration between government, education, employers and the career development profession. The Career Development Institute continues to support professional standards, CPD and wider discussion on workforce capability, lifelong guidance and the future of career development.
Read more about the appointment of Ben Macpherson MSP.
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