Students left ‘in shock’ as course is axed midway
Girls learn on social media they won’t be able to finish qualification
Hairdressing students at UHI Perth were “in shock” when they learned their department is closing and the second part of their two-year SVQ course has been cancelled.
The realisation next year’s study programme won’t go ahead spread via social media on Tuesday, leaving many “utterly devastated” as they put in extra hours to finish units and sat end of year assessments.
The disgruntled SVQ Level 5 Hairdressing students say they have not received any official statement from the college, even though the course loss is common knowledge among staff and peers.
Unnamed course tutors commented on how the news went down on May 23, mainly spread by word of mouth: “Students were going into assessments visibly shaking and crying after hearing the news,” said one.
“So sad for the students not being able to finish their qualification,” confided another.
“I’m disappointed for students who thought they were getting a career in hairdressing. I can’t give any answers to students on why they can’t continue their studies.
“The students should never have heard about this on social media, they should have been informed officially by the college principal Margaret Cook.”
The PA reported on Tuesday that at least 50 jobs will be lost at UHI Perth as the institution seeks to bridge a £3 million funding gap.
A UHI Perth spokesperson said: “We hope to reduce staff numbers through the use of voluntary severance and are seeking permission to enhance our current voluntary severance scheme.
“In phase one of this process we are predicting a loss of 50 roles.
“We will have to lose a small number of our courses.”
At the time it was unknown where the axe would fall but hairdressing students contacted the paper to voice their horror at how they are being treated.
Across Scotland, the additional uplift of £26m for colleges and £20m for universities announced as part of the 2023/24 budget can no longer be provided by the Scottish Government.
On Friday last week, college management began a redundancy consultation.
Perth College - now called UHI Perth - has projected the £3m deficit as a result of impending cost of living increases, both for utilities and for pay awards, as well as the removal of funding by the Scottish Government.
It is understood around 17 students are on the hairdressing course.
For mature student Fiona Petrie the course was a pitch at a career change after being in the Air Force for 23 years. She described hairdressing as her “dream job”.
Fiona was awarded hairdressing student of the year for all her hard work. She told the PA: “This feels worthless now and it will be difficult attending a presentation feeling so deflated about this decision.”
The mature student is heartbroken that with only the Level 5 qualification complete - Level 6 is needed to be ‘industry ready’ - the time and money she has
invested has been wasted.
She said: “The lecturers knew about this on Friday, May 19. On Tuesday, the word from tutors was ‘nothing’s set in stone, the unions have to agree on the redundancies.’
“Meanwhile we students heard nothing officially.”
A school leaver from Aberfeldy explained how she has been getting up at 5am to catch a 6.55am bus to Perth three days a week, getting home after 6pm.
Nerys Hanafin (18) said: “I was already stressed... because of all the pressure it being the end of the year.
“To be informed there will be no Level 6 next year via
a group chat is absolutely appalling.
“I was totally shocked. “Two girls were discussing it and I went over and asked ‘what’s going on?’ Then I read the social post.”
Mum-of-three Caitlin Spencer (29) feels “utterly devastated” at the axing decision.
Her children are aged 3, 9 and 11 and this will limit where she could go to finish up the SVQ next year.
“I already had to sacrifice three days a week to do the course in Perth but I wanted to start up my own business and provide for my kids,” Caitlin told the PA.
“The principal has shown total disrespect for us by not informing students properly. How disgusting!
“It’s unacceptable. It feels like a slap in the face.
“And all this while we do our best to wrap up the final week of assessments.”
Sixteen-year-old Chelsea Ogden began the course at 15 after leaving Kinross High School at the end of fourth year - without qualifications - because she wasn’t happy in school.
She said: “Now I’m going to leave UHI Perth with no qualifications - everything this last year I’ve worked for has been pointless.
“Hairdressing is what I wanted to do. I’m so angry they just decided to cut the course.”
Dr Margaret Cook, UHI Perth principal and chief executive explained: “At UHI Perth... we are facing serious challenges with real-term funding cuts.
“Where Further Education (FE) courses, including Hairdressing, are likely to be impacted by any changes, we have communicated that to individuals directly and are supporting each learner as best as we can.
“All FE students who have started a two-year
programme can complete their qualification at UHI Perth.
“The Higher Education curriculum delivery will not be impacted by this proposal and all HNC/HND/ Degree and Post Graduate courses will be proceeding as planned in 2023/24, as will the Schools/college partnership programmes.”
MSPS John Swinney and Jim Fairlie met with college principal Dr Cook earlier this week.
Mr Swinney said he had spoken to staff affected adding: “I am eager to continue engaging with any constituents who will be potentially impacted.”