New Year, New Millennium and new growth for Progress File. Following the period of intense activity which saw the development of the current range of resources and the series of training events which accompanied these; the focus now is very much on developing links to the post-school sector. Although more than 20 events have been held for colleges, adult guidance networks, careers staff, job centres, employment service staff, training providers, LECs, employers and ESPs - there is still much to do in this area.

All Progress File resources have been produced in a flexible format, are copyright free and available on disk for editing and adapting. This means..that they can be readily used to support such processes as selection and recruitment, initial assessment, induction, staff development and training and career progression planning.

It is clear, though, that many employers still do not know of Progress File and have yet to find out about the benefits it can offer. So, in an effort to tackle this, a small working group has been formed to look at promotional issues. An action plan and a range of products are being produced to help.

In addition, a guide is being produced which is specifically targeted at employers. This pack will highlight specific ways employers can use activities within Progress File to enhance company objectives.

A range of different projects are continuing to address the needs of adults in the community. Support materials for Broadening Horizons, careers and continuing adult education staff and also for use in new Family Centres in Grampian are all being developed just now. These will be available within the next few months.

Piloting work is continuing in the Primary Sector - and of news to Progress File Update readers will be an article by Lorraine Stefani about developments in Higher Education.

This year will certainly be no less busy than previous ones. As well as undertaking new developments it will be important to take stock and gain feedback from users of the new materials - and so a series of round the country discussion seminars is planned. More of this later in the newsletter.

Readers are encouraged to copy this newsletter to their colleagues - or you can phone in (contact details on last page) and add new contacts to our newsletter database.

Who to Contact

The NRA / Progress File Unit can be contacted at SQA.

Fiona Forrest National Development Officer 0141 242 2188