18 September 2026
Scotland sets out five-year programme for Government
The Scottish Government has published its Programme for Government 2026–2031, setting out its priorities and actions for the next five years. The programme places eradicating child poverty and growing Scotland’s economy at the centre of its plans, alongside action across education, skills, employment and public services.
The programme also comes at a time when Scotland’s labour market and economy are changing. Technological developments, including artificial intelligence, demographic change, economic pressures and the transition towards a greener economy are influencing the skills employers need and the choices available to individuals.
The programme includes a focus on improving education and skills pathways, supporting lifelong learning and strengthening employment opportunities. These priorities will be relevant to careers professionals working with young people and adults as they navigate changing labour market conditions and make decisions about learning, work and career development.
Some ambitions highlighted in the programme include:
The programme also comes at a time when Scotland’s labour market and economy are changing. Technological developments, including artificial intelligence, demographic change, economic pressures and the transition towards a greener economy are influencing the skills employers need and the choices available to individuals.
The programme includes a focus on improving education and skills pathways, supporting lifelong learning and strengthening employment opportunities. These priorities will be relevant to careers professionals working with young people and adults as they navigate changing labour market conditions and make decisions about learning, work and career development.
Some ambitions highlighted in the programme include:
- Growing Scotland’s economy: creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth, investment and increased productivity.
- Supporting skills and employment: strengthening routes into good jobs and helping people develop the skills needed for a changing labour market.
- Improving education: raising attainment and widening opportunities for children and young people, with a continued focus on reducing inequalities.
- Expanding lifelong learning: helping people access learning and develop skills throughout their working lives as careers and industries change.
- Preparing for technological change: ensuring Scotland is equipped to respond to developments such as artificial intelligence and the changing nature of work.
- Supporting the green economy: developing the skills, innovation and workforce needed for Scotland’s transition to net zero.
- Tackling child poverty: addressing financial and social barriers that can affect people’s education, career choices and access to employment.
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