Colleges Delivering for Young People

Scotland’s colleges are to benefit from £8.7 million of funding distributed by the Scottish Funding Council, with a further £1.3 million for student support being delivered through SAAS, as part of the Young Person’s Guarantee.

Launched by the Scottish Government in November 2020 this funding is part of the £60 million invested this year in the Young Person’s Guarantee. This will offer all young people between the ages of 16 and 24 the chance to succeed through the opportunity to study; take up an apprenticeship, job or work experience; or participate in formal volunteering.

The Guarantee is being delivered in partnership through Scottish Government, colleges and universities, Local Authorities, Skills Development Scotland, Fair Start Scotland, the third sector, DWP Kickstart and Developing the Young Workforce.

Colleges will play a vital role in Scotland’s education-led economic recovery and this funding is supporting them to provide new and innovative courses which will provide opportunities for up to 5,000 young people seeking to learn new skills in key sectors such as engineering, computing and digital, education and care.

Importantly, these courses will be linked to employers and developed with industry partners to ensure they are delivering the essential skills that each sector requires.

Scottish Government Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

“During this crisis we have taken action to support young people who have been some of the hardest by the pandemic.

“Since November alone, the Young Person’s Guarantee has created around 18,000 opportunities for people aged between 16 and 24 to help them into work, education or training. This new college provision is a key part of that work, supporting our future workforce to gain valuable skills and experience and support a strong economic recovery for Scotland.”

SFC Director of Access, Learning and Outcomes, James Dunphy, said:

“Given the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s prospects, it is more important than ever that Scotland’s young people are not left behind. Our colleges are ideally placed to provide opportunities that will provide them with new skills and prepare them for the world of work.

“We are delighted that the Young Person’s Guarantee is supporting colleges to develop courses that both support the needs of learners and also meet the needs of their regional economies as we navigate our way through the COVID-19 environment.”

Shona Struthers, Chief Executive of Colleges Scotland, said:

“This is a really difficult time for many young people and the Young Person’s Guarantee means a range of new college courses have been promptly rolled out to support people under 25 enhance their qualifications and skills.

“Colleges across Scotland are committed to working with young people to make the most of all the available opportunities during the pandemic. Colleges are a critical part of helping this generation to thrive in their future careers.”

Background

• Young Person’s Guarantee website.
• £60 million investment was outlined for the Young Person’s Guarantee this year.
• A further £70 million has been allocated for 2021-22 as part of the budget statement.