New calls for bursary support
Forth Valley College students have called for the Scottish Government to do more to support learners to progress their studies and move into the world of work.
Representatives from the Students Association met with Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley and set out their concerns which have been raised at Holyrood as part of their campaign.
The association argue that there is a need to increase support for bursaries for college students and want to see an increase in the threshold income level by which students start paying back loans.
Greater support for mental health support in colleges is also one of their demands.
Mr Rowley tabled a question in the Scottish Parliament asking for progress on the manifesto commitment from the Government to increase the threshold at which students start to pay back loans.
He said:“I think it’s regrettable that more and more young people say they struggle financially to be a student and get the skills they need to get the jobs that will support them throughout their lives.
“We must recognise that helping people to gain skills is good for them, for local communities and for the wider economy.
“Bursary support must be seen as an investment and the fact is many of our young people in Stirling will not be able to get financial support from their parents but this cannot be a barrier to them getting the chance to gain skills.”