Up to £6m is to be invested by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) towards a new college campus in Fife.

The fund, agreed in principle, will allow Fife College to construct a new facility that will form part of the Levenmouth campus. The campus is expected to open in 2016.

The news comes as representatives from business, training, education and politics meet in Edinburgh to discuss the first recommendations from the Commission for Developing Scotland's Young Workforce. Chaired by Sir Ian Wood, the Commission is due to publish its second report later this Spring.

Welcoming the news, Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance, said: "On the day that dozens of the key players in the future of Scotland's young workforce come together to discuss how the Wood Commission's recommendations – both those agreed and those still to be published – this is an exciting move for the young women and men of Fife.

-- Advertisement --

"Having a school and college so closely linked physically is just one way to make a significant difference to the experiences of those who move towards vocational training as a career choice, and support the transition between two areas of education.

"I commend both Fife College and Fife Council for such foresight in this innovative approach and expect other colleges and local authorities to be watching closely. Colleges and schools working together – first and foremost over curriculum, but where it makes sense, over accommodation – is precisely the kind of approach that can secure the place of Scotland's young workforce at the heart of our economic development."

Sir Ian Wood added: "The work of the Commission has been informed by many people from across Scotland's education and industry communities who have so constructively contributed their time and advice.

"Today's event demonstrates the ongoing commitment of those working to improve the employment prospects of all our young people and will also provide an opportunity to showcase some of the established and emerging good practice apparent in all parts of Scotland."

(JP)