Choose college for the future you want
One in five of Scotland's 18–19-year-olds choose to study full time at college. But it's not just for school leavers - 41% of college students are over 25, so if you're looking to upskill or retrain, you won't be alone.
Colleges offer outstanding support to students at every stage, and they're a key part of the Scottish Government's Young Person's Guarantee, helping 16–24-year-olds connect to opportunities for the future.
Get the qualifications and skills that count
College opens doors to opportunity - whether you're aiming for university, starting a new career, or retraining in something different. With pathways into further study, skilled work and apprenticeships, colleges are focused on helping you shape a successful future.
The vast majority of college leavers move on to positive destinations. Many also use college as a stepping stone to university, with growing numbers progressing directly into second or third year of a degree.
Courses are developed in partnership with employers, ensuring students gain the skills that today's workplaces are looking for. And with thousands studying as part of their job, colleges are supporting people to build and grow their careers.
Real experience for real jobs
Scotland's colleges have strong links with employers and are the largest providers of Modern Apprenticeships.
They work hand-in-hand with industry to design relevant, practical courses - giving students a clear edge in the job market with hands-on skills and real-world experience.
Flexible learning, personalised support, and funding
Whether you prefer to study full time, part time, or online, there's a course structure that works for you. College learning is flexible and designed to fit around your life - work, family, or other commitments.
Choose from a wide range of options, including entry-level courses, apprenticeships, professional qualifications, and degree programmes. Many colleges also offer online learning to help you boost your career or learn something new.
There's also a variety of funding options available - from bursaries and discretionary grants to support for childcare. Your local college can guide you through the process.
Whoever you are. Wherever you are. Whatever you want to be.
Find your local college at choosecollege.scot and start your journey today.
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Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's largest green heating network to be installed in Paisley flats
Renfrewshire Council has confirmed it will install the innovative networked ground source heat pump solution at the two multi-storey blocks in Gallowhill. High rise flats in Paisley are to benefit from the largest green heating network to be built in Scotland. Renfrewshire Council has confirmed it will install the innovative networked ground source heat pump solution at the two multi-storey blocks in Gallowhill. The system, to be installed by contractor Kensa, works by collecting heat from underground pipes and transferring it to homes using a heat pump. The new system will replace the gas network, which is coming to the end of its life, and will provide heat and hot water to all 180 homes within Gallowhill Court and Glencairn Court. It is hoped the new system will also reduce bills for residents, with the cost for the new provision included in their electricity bill. The project is the first time a local authority in Scotland has delivered a solution of this nature and scale in its properties. Work is set to start on site this month with the project expected to be completed by summer 2026. Convener of Renfrewshire Council's communities and housing policy board, Cllr Marie McGurk said: 'We want to make our homes as comfortable and efficient as possible for our tenants. 'By introducing the ground source heating solution in Gallowhill we will deliver a reliable and environmentally friendly system which will help to simplify our tenants' energy bills. 'As a council, we continue to consider climate change in every decision we take and we're reducing our emissions wherever possible in the services we deliver – while continuing to access funding opportunities to make the large-scale changes we know are needed.' Renfrewshire Council was awarded £1,788,382 of funding from the Scottish Government's Scotland Heat Network Fund to support the delivery of the project. Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan said: 'I am very pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to support this project via Scotland's Heat Network Fund. 'This is an excellent example of the growing role that heat networks have to play in Scotland, supporting our twin aims of delivering affordable heat and reducing fuel poverty whilst also cutting carbon emissions. 'We want to encourage greater use of heat networks and later this year we will set out measures to attract further investment by encouraging non-domestic and especially public buildings to connect to these schemes.' Kensa is a pioneer of networked ground source heat pumps. The company's regional manager for Scotland Mark Potter said: 'We're proud to be working with Renfrewshire Council on this landmark decarbonisation project. 'Networked heat pumps offer an effective, energy efficient solution to help flats transition away from gas and other inefficient heating systems. 'By connecting each flat to this system we'll help residents stay warm and comfortable during winter, while keeping energy use and heating costs low. 'Kensa has a strong track record of delivering ground source heat pump systems for projects like this, and we look forward to seeing the long-term benefits it will provide for the Council, residents, and the wider community.' This project is part of wider regeneration plans for Gallowhill which include the development of 65 new build council homes which will also feature low carbon air source heat pumps and a planned Gallowhill Link project which would provide a new active travel and safe route to the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus currently. Construction of the new homes is due to start later this month.
The Herald Scotland
6 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Public funding row bus firm Alexander Dennis may get more
The development comes amidst a public funding row which saw ADL receive tens of millions from the public purse even after it embarked on a plan to axe a third of its Scottish workforce five years ago. ADL has been warned by the Scottish Government that some of the millions could be subject to clawback if goes ahead with the move to England. The Scottish Government's Scottish Enterprise agency has said in a briefing from July 18 that in its most recent review in December, "no risks had been identified that would preclude continued funding". Scottish Enterprise says that that a joint UK working group involving themselves and the UK and Scottish governments are identifying solutions that they say "support continued investment and employment at ADL's Scottish sites". It has said that no funding has been paid out since the company announcement but that any support was subject to "rigorous monitoring and safeguarding measures". Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie said: "We will continue to work closely with all partners to explore all avenues to retain jobs and secure long-term investment". Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill said all further [[pub]]lic funding of ADL should cease unless there is a commitment to remain in Scotland and that millions should be clawed back if ADL departed. Last month, Alexander Dennis began consultations on a plan to close its Falkirk operations and cease manufacturing at its Larbert base with the loss of 400 on site jobs. Manufacturing would be centralised at its Scarborough operation which has the capacity to produce around 1,200 buses a year. The agency analysis came in response to a group of MSPs seeking a clear outline of the actions Scottish Enterprise is taking now, in coordination with the Scottish Government and other partners, to support continued manufacturing and investment at the Scottish sites. Unite Scotland estimates that up to 1,600 jobs could be at risk when supply chain roles are included and has warned of a 'devastating' impact on communities already reeling from the Grangemouth oil refinery closure. Ministers have confirmed that should Alexander Dennis go ahead with exiting Scotland, the financial assistance paid may be subject to "clawback". They have said that it will be down to Scottish Enterprise to decide on how to proceed. Kenny MacAskill According to Scottish Government records, ADL received £58m of public 'subsidy' for green vehicles since 2020 under two schemes aimed at transitioning Scotland to green buses - despite the company having embarked on a 2020 plan to axe a third of its Scottish workforce. And some £30m of jobs grants for research and development over 10 years has come from the Scottish Government's economic development agency Scottish Enterprise. Some £11.2m of those jobs grants from Scottish Enterprise came in 2023, three years after concerns were raised over ADL embarking on major job cuts. By the time the 2020 jobs cut was in place, ADL had already received over £8m in 'job securing' taxpayer funding which was promoted as supporting building a new greener business in Scotland. The Herald revealed that ADL warned the First Minister it was "'reconsidering' its 'entire investment' in Scotland — a year before announcing plans to relocate to England. He was also told they had already been 'forced' to offshore certain manufacturing functions to China. The First Minister intervened after learning of potential redundancies at the firm, suggesting 'further capital support' and advising Scottish Enterprise to 'exhaust all options to support the business'. Finance secretary Shona Robison has said that Scottish Enterprise "is continuing to work closely with ADL to try to find a positive solution". ADL has allowed an extra fortnight for efforts to save the jobs of workers in Falkirk and Larbert. A deadline for a consultation is now set for August 15. SNP's Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon once set out the economic case for Scottish Independence from an Alexander Dennis depot (Image: Newsquest) Mr MacAskill, who said the job losses were "unacceptable", said ADL "must be held to account if they choose to relocate south of the border". And he said any further financial support given must contain firm guarantees that ADL is staying in Scotland and that funds can be recouped if there is any change of mind. He said: "Falkirk and Larbert have served them well over the years and Scottish Governments and agencies have supported them handsomely. Closure is bad enough but relocation rubs salt into the wound. "Any funds that can be clawed back absolutely must be. The workers community and Scotland deserve no less. READ MORE from Martin Williams: How buying Chinese sparked public funding row over Scots bus jobs going to England? Swinney got year-long warning England-bound bus firm was 'reconsidering' Scotland FM in funding row as £90m public cash for Scots jobs given to firm going to England Union says 1600 Scots jobs at risk if government doesn't act in 'national interest' "Workers are entitled to loyalty from their governments as well as their employers. Public funds are for public good." Ministers have said they are working with bus operators to drum up interest for much-needed orders for ADL. The company has previously said that it would need to see a significant rise in bus orders – between 70 and 100 by the end of the year and 300-400 next year – to remain open. In a briefing, Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie said that it remained "fully committed to supporting ADL and safeguarding Scotland's strategic manufacturing capabilities". He added: "We will continue to work closely with all partners to explore all avenues to retain jobs and secure long-term investment." Adrian Gillespie (Image: SE) The agency has said that past funding typically include obligations such as job creation or retention, matched funding from the company involved. And while it said that while the specific terms agreed with ADL are "commercially sensitive" it "rigorously monitors all funded projects to "ensure compliance and value for public investment". "Monitoring includes regular reporting on technical progress, milestone achievements, and any deviations from the original project plan. Risks are assessed prior to each payment," said Mr Gillespie. "As of the most recent review, no risks had been identified that would preclude continued funding. Scottish Enterprise's grant conditions include key safeguards and the option to claw back funding." He added that "we remain fully committed to supporting ADL and safeguarding Scotland's strategic manufacturing capabilities. "Scottish Enterprise is working closely with ADL, the Scottish Government, and UK partners to exploit all viable options to retain ADL operations and employment in Scotland." Ministers say there is a commitment from ADL to consider keeping chassis manufacture as well as the possibility of single deck bus manufacture in Scotland. And they say action is being taken to liaise with commercial bus operators and local transport authorities to establish the current demand for double deck buses in Scotland and were working alongside the UK Government to identify demand in other parts of the UK. But there remains concerns that UK subsidy rules which has curbed [[Scottish Government]] action in providing a direct contract award to its own Inverclyde shipyard firm Ferguson Marine is hindering attempts to give [[pub]]licly funded support for ADL to try and keep the company in Scotland. But Ms Robison has said it was for the UK Government to make any changes to the Subsidy Control Act which might benefit Scottish businesses. She has told MSPs that the government was committed to looking at "all viable options" and are working with private bus companies. 'I agree about the importance of securing a short-term pipeline of orders,' she said. 'Please be assured that we are therefore liaising with commercial bus operators and local transport authorities to establish the current demand for double-deck buses in Scotland and are working alongside UK Government to identify demand in other parts of the UK," she said in a briefing. 'I am in full agreement with you about the importance of Alexander Dennis to Scotland and of retaining the jobs of the highly-skilled workers. 'That is why we are continuing to work at pace with Scottish Enterprise and UK Government, and alongside the company and trade unions, to explore all viable options to support ADL to retain bus manufacturing in Scotland.' Kate Forbes (Image: Colin Mearns) Deputy first minister Kate Forbes said: 'Our absolute focus continues to be on exploring all viable options to support Alexander Dennis Ltd, its workforce and the families and communities they support. 'The [[Scottish Government]] continues to work in close collaboration with the company, trade unions, Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the [[UK Government]] during the consultation period. 'This work includes discussions on potential support for a company furlough scheme and urgently examining options to provide greater confidence regarding short-term demand for bus manufacturing in Scotland. "
Scotsman
6 hours ago
- Scotsman
Remove roadblocks that delay new housing
UK governments must act on housing crisis, says Caroline Maciver Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scotland and other parts of Britain face a serious housing crisis. Think-tank Centre of Cities says there is a backlog of 4.3 million homes missing from the UK's national housing market. Both the Scottish and UK governments have made housebuilding a key policy commitment, but there are a number of developing legislative issues as well as major challenges facing the construction industry which stand in the way of addressing the need for new homes successfully. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In June, the Scottish Government appointed Màiri McAllan as Cabinet Secretary for Housing and pledged £3.5 billion to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. South of the border, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner set out plans to build 1.5 million new houses in England by 2029. As part of the UK Government spending review announced in June, £39bn was pledged over 10 years for social and affordable housing in England. hy While this additional investment is essential and very welcome, new regulations on construction products will likely mean further challenges for home-builders and, in some cases, could present a barrier to progress. The Scottish Government's plans to introduce a new role of Compliance Plan Manager for residential buildings over 11 metres high could, like many new schemes, also create initial bedding-in delays for housebuilders. Meanwhile, the UK Government's Construction Products Reform Green Paper, which puts a strong focus on more third-party testing and certification to ensure product safety and reliability, creates further uncertainty for builders who are unclear how these reforms will work in practice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The current progress of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) in England underlines the potentially detrimental impact of new regulation on housing projects. Set up to ensure high-rise buildings are fully compliant with fire safety issues, the BSR's initial 13-week approval timetable has more than doubled, creating a significant backlog in proposed new builds. Following action in England, the Scottish Government is implementing new measures through the Housing (Scotland) Bill around Awaab's Law, which aims to tackle damp and mould in social housing. While this is well-intended legislation, it will place a greater burden on social landlords to investigate and address disrepair and could set back their timetable for building much-needed new social housing across Scotland. Regulatory reform is undoubtedly important in the post-Grenfell era. It is, however, essential for governments to give clear guidance to the construction industry on new measures and ensure prompt timelines are met in the approval of new building applications. More broadly, the Scottish and UK governments must provide wider support to the construction sector to ensure it has the capacity required to build the thousands of homes needed. With 140,000 construction vacancies currently unfilled in the UK and a further 750,000 employees expected to retire in 2026, the government can help the industry to facilitate more workers it needs, including 240,000 new apprentices required over the next decade. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are also geographical challenges such as a lack of accommodation for contractors in some areas, including in the North of Scotland. Governments can support the sector through the planning system and potential tax incentives to drive home-building in regions of high demand. If the Scottish and UK governments are to address the housing crisis and achieve their ambitious targets, they need to ensure they are a key part of the solution, not a roadblock to progress.
