Teachers across Scotland are telling us the same things. They want to build skills that actually matter for young people’s futures, but feel boxed in by assessment structures that don’t leave room for creativity.

They know employers are crying out for people who can problem solve, communicate and think on their feet, but there’s a gap between what education says it values and what it formally recognises.

And when something new comes along, they’re often expected to commit before they’ve had a proper chance to see what it looks like.

We built the Creative Innovation qualification with all of that in mind.

Turning creative thinking into real-world skills for learners

Our Creative Thinking qualifications, already delivered in schools across Scotland, teach young people how to think differently.

Creative Innovation takes that further. It asks learners what they’re going to do with those ideas.

They research, develop concepts, test and iterate when things don’t work, pitch their thinking persuasively, and evaluate the impact of what they’ve built.

Five learning outcomes drive the whole qualification: Research, Conceptualise, Fail & Fix, Communicate, and Evaluate.

If that sounds more like what happens in a design studio or a startup than a traditional classroom, that’s deliberate. This is a qualification that gives young people the tools to take an idea somewhere real.

Industry-led challenges that build employability skills

Creative Innovation is designed for S4 to S6 learners at SCQF levels 5 and 6, and it’s structured around playlists of challenges created with real industry partners:

• The Caring Innovators challenge, developed in partnership with NHS Scotland, invites learners to pitch ideas that help people thrive, exploring how creativity and empathy can shape the future of healthcare.
• Other challenges see learners reimagining how we experience school, designing bold new food concepts, or building business ideas rooted in joy.
• Opencast, a technology company, is another partner helping to ground the qualification in what the workplace actually needs.

These aren’t abstract exercises. The challenges connect learners to communities and industries beyond school, and the skills they’re developing are the ones that employers and universities are actively looking for.

Try before you deliver: download the full teaching playlist

Here’s something we think matters: you can download a full playlist, an entire academic year of challenges, resources, and activities, before you decide whether to deliver. No commitment, no sign up. Just download it, look through it, and see if it’s right for your learners.

Each playlist contains three challenges with structured project decks, creative warmup activities, video content and downloadable templates.

Teachers are also supported by Dreamcatcher (our electronic marking tool), a network of Daydream Ambassadors, and a Slack community, so no one delivers in isolation.

The qualification is open to any teacher interested in fostering creativity, enterprise and innovation. You don’t need to be in any particular department.

How does the qualification fit within the SCQF, Insight and UCAS?

The qualification carries 24 SCQF credits at level 5 or level 6, Insight points and, at level 6, UCAS tariff points for grades A to D.

It’s credit rated by Edinburgh Napier University and sits within the SCQF, connecting to the progression pathways schools already understand.

Assessment is portfolio-based, practical, and creative, built around the innovation process learners have been living through all year.

Learn more about the Creative Innovation qualification

Find out more about the qualification here and see for yourself. If you’d like to find out more or talk to us about delivering Creative Innovation in your school, get in touch.

We run introductory meetings to support new teachers through the process, and we’d love to hear from you.

We are hosting a CPD event at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh on Monday 11th May. Walk The Walk brings the five learning outcomes of our qualifications off the page and onto their feet. You’ll step through each one and see what they actually look like when teachers and learners are in the thick of them. Sign up for the event.

If you’ve ever dreamed of working with animals and making a real difference in their lives, the Lantra Diploma in Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare at SCQF Level 5 might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to formalise your experience, this nationally recognised qualification offers a practical, flexible and inspiring route into the world of veterinary support.

This diploma is designed for those who want to work in a supportive role within veterinary care or animal welfare settings. With 65 SCQF credit points, it blends academic learning with hands-on experience, giving you the skills and confidence to thrive in the animal care sector, under the guidance of qualified and experienced professionals.

A career in helping animals

Developed in consultation with experienced industry experts and credit rated by SQA Accreditation, the qualification reflects current standards and expectations. It’s a strong foundation for a fulfilling career helping animals and supporting the people who care for them.

You can choose to focus on small animals or equine, and select between two vocational pathways:

• Veterinary Care Support
• Operational/Reception Duties

This means your learning can evolve with your interests or adapt to the opportunities available during your placement.

Gain valuable experience with animals

The programme combines classroom-based theory with practical tasks and work placements. You’ll spend time in a veterinary practice or animal care setting, gaining valuable experience that boosts your employability and deepens your understanding of animal care protocols.

Assessment is portfolio-based, so you’ll build a body of evidence through videos, documents, presentations and practical demonstrations. There’s also an online multiple-choice exam to round things off, with on-demand resit options available if needed.

Career routes

Those who achieve the Lantra Diploma at SCQF Level 5 are well-prepared for roles such as:

• Veterinary care assistant
• Animal welfare assistant
• Stable hand/assistant
• Kennel or cattery assistant
• Pet retail assistant
• Veterinary receptionist

And if you’re thinking long-term, this diploma can also lead to further training – like progressing onto the Lantra SCQF Level 7 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.

Whether you’re an animal lover ready to turn your passion into a profession or someone seeking a career change with purpose, this diploma is a brilliant place to begin.

For more information on the qualification, visit Lantra’s website.

To see how this Diploma compares to other qualifications in Scotland, visit our interactive framework.

Did you know that men account for 75% of suicides, making it the leading cause of death for men under 45?

These staggering statistics highlight the urgent need for mental health support for men.

Brothers in Arms, a Scottish charity dedicated to male mental well-being, is leading the way. It has launched an innovative mental health training programme that features on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

‘Introduction to Conversations for Male Mental Health’ has been credit-rated at SCQF level 5, with one credit point. This shows that the programme is the same level of difficulty as a National 5 and takes 10 hours to complete.

Gary Goldie: The vision behind the programme

The programme wouldn’t exist without the passion and expertise of Gary Goldie. As a personal trainer and mental health advocate, Gary has been instrumental in its development.

In collaboration with the Violence Reduction Unit, part of Police Scotland, Gary and the team identified that men found it much easier to open up to their barbers than their GP.

With vital input and experience from Rebel Rebel Barbers and support from the Psychology Department at Strathclyde University a structured approach to addressing sensitive topics such as depression, self harm and suicide was created.

This led to the creation of the Reaching In conversations. These conversations provide barbers and other professionals with tools to broach difficult subjects and offer non-judgemental support.

Gary then delivered the training to various student groups within Glasgow Clyde College, and decided to have the programme credit rated onto the SCQF.

During the process, he worked closely with all partners to ensure the design of the programme met the highest standards.

Why SCQF credit rating matters

Placing the training on the SCQF means learners earn a recognised qualification that is quality assured, while developing key skills.

It is a valuable addition to a CV, and having it on the SCQF ensures that employers will understand its level of difficulty and worth.

What participants are saying

The programme is being delivered at Glasgow Clyde College to students studying hairdressing, sport, fitness and construction. Learners have praised its transformative impact.

Duncan Fisher, a facilities officer at Edrington and course participant, said: “This course has been hugely impactful. I feel much more equipped to support others and start meaningful conversations about mental health.”

With skills in active listening, resilience and crisis intervention, participants are prepared to make a real difference in their personal and professional lives.

Who is the course for?

This programme is designed for:

• Professionals in education, healthcare and charity sectors
• Managers and HR professionals
• Social workers and community leaders
• Individuals who want to better support the men in their lives

Whether you’re helping a colleague, friend or family member, this course empowers you to approach mental health conversations with confidence and care.

Brothers in Arms: Technology meets compassion

Brothers in Arms uses cutting-edge technology to support male mental health. Their Blethr digital therapy platform offers free, anonymous support tailored specifically for men. With no data stored and no referrals needed, Blethr creates a safe space for men to manage their mental well-being.

To date, over 2,000 men have accessed therapy through Blethr, while more than 3,000 have engaged with Brothers in Arms’ support content.

How you can make a difference

Introduction to Conversations for Male Mental Health is more than a qualification—it’s a tool for creating positive change in male mental health. By empowering people to have meaningful conversations, Brothers in Arms is working to save lives and break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Ready to take the first step?

Learn more about the Introduction to Conversations for Male Mental Health programme.

Explore the Blethr platform for free digital therapy.

Please note, Brothers in Arms is not a crisis service. For urgent help, contact your GP or Samaritans on 116123.

For more information on having your training programme credit rated to the SCQF, please visit Get Your Programme on the SCQF.