Colleges will be able to bid for a share of a £13.1m fund, aimed at improving job prospects and skills for students in the jobs market, announced yesterday by Skills Development Scotland ("SDS").
In an effort to improve people's life chances through education, the Scottish Government is keen to overhaul the post-16 education sector in Scotland, as set out in the September 2011 consultation Putting Learners at the Centre. Regionalisation is a key part of the Government's plans, and would see Scotland's forty one further education colleges regrouped into twelve regions (with West Lothian as a thirteenth region).
Colleges are set to share a much reduced overall budget and will need to work closely with other stakeholders in their regions, including local authorities and employers, to develop regional plans. The announcement of SDS' new funding programme adds another piece to the jigsaw puzzle, connecting skills, jobs and growth.
But the full picture is not clear yet. Details are set to emerge next week of the bidding process. Many will be watching closely to see how the programme will help colleges to progress their regionalisation plans, and how a focus on skills development could help with achieving sustainable economic growth.
Details of the announcement are available here.
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