The new way to access Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Services
Co-location in partner premises enables SDS to increasingly deliver career services in more convenient locations for customers and supports the need to deliver value for money and efficiencies for investment in public services.
National skills body SDS offers free, impartial career information, advice and guidance in secondary schools and for people of all ages across Scotland. Customers can now meet the SDS team in a number of colleges and community venues across Edinburgh including Edinburgh College and neighbourhood libraries across the city.
As part of this change, the team moved out of its Shandwick Place career centre in the city’s West End at the end of November.
New locations
- Edinburgh College – Sighthill campus
- Edinburgh College – Milton Road Campus
- Jobcentre Plus – High Riggs
- Jobcentre Plus – Leith
- Jobcentre Plus – Wester Hailes
- Barnardo’s Works Edinburgh
- Gilmerton Library
- Queensferry Library
- Kirkliston Library
- Drumbrae Hub
- Oxgangs Library
- Currie Library
- Craigmillar Library
- North Edinburgh Community Renewal Centre
- Muirhouse Library - from February 2025
Emma Matthews, SDS Area Manager - Edinburgh and West Lothian, explains: “We’re excited about this move and being able to offer our customers more choice about where and when they can visit us, while also deepening our engagement within the community. Our Edinburgh team is now providing career information, advice and guidance from a variety of locations across the area, rather than just one, offering greater convenience for customers.”
Edinburgh College Vice Principal Michael Jeffrey added: “We are looking forward to welcoming the Skills Development Scotland team to Edinburgh College. The College has a long and well-established partnership with SDS which will only be strengthened by their permanent presence on campus, providing increased career and skills development opportunities for our students.”
SDS advisers work across the country supporting anyone looking to get into work, change career, upskill or reskill, or re-join the workforce after a career break. Customers in Edinburgh can call 0800 917 8000 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) to make an appointment or find out what venue would be most appropriate for them. They can also visit the careers website - My World of Work(this will open in a new window).