Borders College is to receive a funding cut next year from the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council which will mean that training provision for people in the Scottish Borders will be put at risk.
The college, which has facilities in Galashiels, Newtown St Boswells, Tweedbank and Hawick, specialises in areas such as construction and green skills.
It is understood that the college will receive flat cash, meaning that there will be no money to cover the cost of inflation, currently running at 4.8% according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In addition, other discreet funding streams that had previously covered programmes such as Foundation Apprenticeships are also to be removed.
It comes as there is a real need for more skills in the Borders to meet the needs of labour shortages in a number of industries, including construction. Each academic year, the college supports around 500 apprenticeships.
Borders College recently received an outstanding evaluation from Education Scotland, with a high student success rate. Last year, over 80% of students achieved their qualification despite disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Local MP, John Lamont, recently met with the Principal of Borders College, Angela Cox, to discuss funding challenges.
John Lamont MP said:
“Borders College provides a first class learning experience for young people and adults looking to better their skills.
“I talk to a lot of businesses and organisations across the Borders who work alongside the college to deliver their training and apprenticeships.
“This is such a key part of giving our local economy a steady stream of qualified people to work in it, and stimulate economic growth.
“That is why I am very concerned about what is going to be a real terms cut for Borders College for the next academic year.
“Borders College was one of the best performing in Scotland during the pandemic and they need to be supported to continue to deliver skills and qualifications for our young people.
“We need to see the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council giving proper support and reversing this real terms cut to our local college.”
