Joining STF

Acting as the collective voice of its members, STF has become recognised as the main representative body of learning providers in Scotland. STF was established 35 years ago in 1990 and currently has over 130 members. Information about current STF members is available in the Members Directory

Member benefits:

The main benefits of joining STF are as follows:

• Fortnightly member-only newsletter with updates on Scottish skills and training developments
• Monthly member update meetings on Teams with the Chief Executive providing an update on policy and operational developments. External speakers from stakeholder organisations such as Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Government also attend these meetings to provide updates on specific topics.
• A programme of free workshops on current and new initiatives. In 2024 STF ran 20 workshops on subjects including: Scottish Government Post-School Education and Skills Reform; Reform of SQA; Withers Review of the Skills Landscape; External Review of Modern Apprenticeships; Scottish Funding Council; Turing Fund; Foundation & Graduate Apprenticeships and Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
• Private and confidential advice and guidance on contractual concerns
• Feedback from meetings attended by STF on behalf of members, including regular meetings with senior staff at Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Government. STF sits on more than 30 key skills groups in Scotland ensuring that the voice of its members is heard.
• Discounted rates for the STF National Conference
• Members can join member forums which focus on specific topics. The STF Care Forum brings together members delivering care training and qualifications and the Employability Forum brings together members who deliver employability programmes. In addition, a new group focussing on Foundation Apprenticeships will be re-convened in the Autumn of 2025.
• A listing on the STF website.

Representing members on stakeholder groups

STF sits on a wide range of groups to promote the interests of its members. Click on the link below for more information.

Stakeholder Groups

Cost

The cost of annual membership is £445. Membership runs from January to December each year. New members joining part way through the year will receive a proportionate reduction. Monthly, or other staged payments, are also available.

Application Form

Click on the links below to download an application form in Word or PDF

STF Application Form 2026 (Word)

STF Application Form 2026 (PDF)

Need more information?

For more information, please contact Liam Priest on email: [email protected]

If you would like to set up a short meeting with the Chief Executive on Teams to discuss if joining STF is right for you and your organisation, please contact Stuart McKenna on email: [email protected]