Skills role will help economy
Forth Valley College is part of a Scotland-wide initiative aimed at helping the economic recovery.
FVC is collaborating with other colleges in east central Scotland, with proposals on how best to deliver skills and opportunities having now been published.
The East Central Scotland Colleges Collaboration, consisting of FVC, Edinburgh College, Fife College and West Lothian College, worked to produce a comprehensive skills programme designed to help meet the future needs of the Scottish economy.
Titled the ‘Our Futures Programme’, their report recommends eight distinct reskilling and upskilling products that colleges provide much needed support to individuals and employers who are set to be hit by the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
They include suggestions such as the creation of Skills Boost Academies in key areas such as digital and industry, and the development of accelerator programmes, which would see colleges across Scotland able to introduce accelerated versions of existing qualifications that are already on offer, such as engineering, computing and care.
The say these innovative programmes will place the college sector at the forefront of the country’s agenda for economic recovery.
Other educational products recommended in the report include: Kick Start+; Pre Apprentice Pathways; Short Accredited Programmes; Cooperative Apprenticeships; Adopt an Intern+ (AAI Employability); and
Winter Leaver Guarantee.
Each skills product was developed by the four colleges alongside Skills Development Scotland (SDS) having analysed labour market information, unemployment rates, levels of furlough, growth sectors and the local knowledge each of the colleges have of their region.
It comes after the Scottish Government formally launched the Young Persons Guarantee last week, which is designed to help those whose job prospects are set to be hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Each of the proposals closely align with the skills-related commitments set out in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government and target areas that are seen as an economic priority for Scotland.
FVC principal Dr Ken Thomson said he was excited by the initative, adding: “By working together, we can have a really positive impact on the people who are, or who will be, affected most by the pandemic lockdown and the inevitable economic downturn that is starting to hit us.
“As a college, we have always been at the forefront of innovative programmes which meet the needs of both individuals and local and national skills agendas.
“Now, this new collaboration will enable all four colleges involved to tap into each other’s expertise to provide the very best courses, professional training, upskilling, reskilling and opportunities.
“This is a chance to make learning work for the people of the Central Belt and the East of Scotland and help the country on the road to economic, educational and social recovery.”