College isn't just for teens: future-proof yourself with career-focused learning
When it comes to making decisions about your next steps - whether that means continuing education or embarking on a new professional journey - your local college could be the key to unlocking your potential. Across Scotland, these institutions are at the heart of skills development and career transformation.
Contrary to popular belief, colleges aren't just for recent school leavers. Although one in five of Scotland's 18-19-year-olds choose to study full time at college, 41% of students are aged 25 and above, proving that it's never too late to learn something new or pivot your career.
Whether you're seeking a fresh start, looking to upskill, or returning to education after a break, you'll find yourself among peers on similar journeys.
Open doors for everyone
From university progression and apprenticeships to direct entry into the workforce, colleges offer a spectrum of opportunities. Many graduates use their college qualifications as a springboard into higher education, with increasing numbers moving straight into the second or third year of university degrees.
Courses are regularly updated in collaboration with employers to ensure that what you learn is exactly what today's industries demand. With thousands studying as part of their job, colleges across Scotland support people to build and grow their careers.
What truly sets Scottish colleges apart is their deep-rooted connections with employers. Colleges work closely with businesses to design hands-on courses that mirror real workplace challenges. This practical approach gives you not just knowledge but also the confidence and experience valued by employers.
No matter what stage you're at, you'll find support, as colleges are a key part of the Scottish Government's Young Person's Guarantee, helping 16-24-year-olds connect to opportunities for the future.
Flexible learning designed around you
Life isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither is college learning. Whether you want to study full-time, part-time, or online, there's a course structure tailored to fit around work schedules, family life, and other commitments.
From entry-level certificates to professional qualifications and even degree programmes, the options are as diverse as Scotland's learners.
When it comes to funding, Scottish colleges have got your back too. A wide range of financial support is available, from bursaries and discretionary grants, to help with childcare costs. Colleges have dedicated teams ready to guide you through the process so that finances don't stand in the way of your ambitions.
Whoever you are. Wherever you are. Whatever you want to be.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
2 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Most homes that lost power during Storm Floris reconnected
Angela Constance said the storm had a particular impact on power and transport infrastructure across the country, resulting in a major mobilisation of utility companies, national agencies and local authorities in response. The Scottish Government said transport services are almost back to normal, and that engineers are continuing to restore power to homes and businesses, with the worst affected areas in Inverness, Dornoch, and the Moray Coast. The Scottish Government also said 98% of the 71,000 homes that lost power are now restored, with the remaining 1,600 set to be reconnected over Tuesday evening. Ms Constance thanked responders who assisted in reconnecting the public and businesses with electricity. She said: 'I want to thank everyone in the public, private and third sector for the role they played in responding to Storm Floris. 'It was a significant and unseasonal storm with the worst affected areas covering a wide geographical spread. 'Engineers have worked tirelessly over the past two days to return power to the remaining affected properties as soon as possible. 'Energy companies continue to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.' It comes as thousands of customers spent a second night without power after Storm Floris swept in on Monday. Tens of thousands of people were left without power after high winds earlier in the week, which reached speeds of up to 90mph. The company said that hundreds of engineers have been out on the network since first light on Wednesday morning working to reconnect homes. It said that 95% of customers who lost supplies due to Storm Floris have been reconnected. Andy Smith, SSEN's director of customer operations for the north of Scotland, said late on Tuesday: 'Storm Floris has been unusually powerful, especially for a storm at this time of year. 'It's brought down many trees that have endured several previous storms, and it's caused some network damage.' He added: 'I'd like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience while we go about this massive task; we're doing our best to give people realistic, informed estimates of when we'll get their power back on. 'I'm also grateful to the teams from our contract partners and other network operators for supporting our effort.' An amber weather warning was in place for an area stretching from the central belt to northern Scotland for much of the day on Monday while the rest of the country was covered by a yellow weather warning. The storm also caused significant disruption to Scotland's rail network. Network Rail said teams have been working 'tirelessly' to repair damage to infrastructure such as overhead lines and to clear fallen trees and debris from the tracks. The storm also led to delays in exam results being delivered to pupils in some island communities on SQA results day on Tuesday.
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Most homes that lost power during Storm Floris reconnected
Angela Constance said the storm had a particular impact on power and transport infrastructure across the country, resulting in a major mobilisation of utility companies, national agencies and local authorities in response. The Scottish Government said transport services are almost back to normal, and that engineers are continuing to restore power to homes and businesses, with the worst affected areas in Inverness, Dornoch, and the Moray Coast. The Scottish Government also said 98% of the 71,000 homes that lost power are now restored, with the remaining 1,600 set to be reconnected over Tuesday evening. Ms Constance thanked responders who assisted in reconnecting the public and businesses with electricity. She said: 'I want to thank everyone in the public, private and third sector for the role they played in responding to Storm Floris. 'It was a significant and unseasonal storm with the worst affected areas covering a wide geographical spread. 'Engineers have worked tirelessly over the past two days to return power to the remaining affected properties as soon as possible. 'Energy companies continue to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.' It comes as thousands of customers spent a second night without power after Storm Floris swept in on Monday. Tens of thousands of people were left without power after high winds earlier in the week, which reached speeds of up to 90mph. The company said that hundreds of engineers have been out on the network since first light on Wednesday morning working to reconnect homes. It said that 95% of customers who lost supplies due to Storm Floris have been reconnected. Andy Smith, SSEN's director of customer operations for the north of Scotland, said late on Tuesday: 'Storm Floris has been unusually powerful, especially for a storm at this time of year. 'It's brought down many trees that have endured several previous storms, and it's caused some network damage.' He added: 'I'd like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience while we go about this massive task; we're doing our best to give people realistic, informed estimates of when we'll get their power back on. 'I'm also grateful to the teams from our contract partners and other network operators for supporting our effort.' An amber weather warning was in place for an area stretching from the central belt to northern Scotland for much of the day on Monday while the rest of the country was covered by a yellow weather warning. The storm also caused significant disruption to Scotland's rail network. Network Rail said teams have been working 'tirelessly' to repair damage to infrastructure such as overhead lines and to clear fallen trees and debris from the tracks. The storm also led to delays in exam results being delivered to pupils in some island communities on SQA results day on Tuesday.
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Most homes that lost power during Storm Floris reconnected
The Scottish Government said transport services are almost back to normal, and that engineers are continuing to restore power to homes and businesses, with the worst affected areas in Inverness, Dornoch, and the Moray Coast. Justice and Home Affairs Minister Angela Constance thanked responders who assisted in reconnecting the public and businesses with electricity (Jane Barlow/PA) The Scottish Government also said 98% of the 71,000 homes that lost power are now restored, with the remaining 1,600 set to be reconnected over Tuesday evening. Ms Constance thanked responders who assisted in reconnecting the public and businesses with electricity. She said: 'I want to thank everyone in the public, private and third sector for the role they played in responding to Storm Floris. 'It was a significant and unseasonal storm with the worst affected areas covering a wide geographical spread. 'Engineers have worked tirelessly over the past two days to return power to the remaining affected properties as soon as possible. 'Energy companies continue to provide support to customers, including ensuring provisions are in place for the most vulnerable.' It comes as thousands of customers spent a second night without power after Storm Floris swept in on Monday. Tens of thousands of people were left without power after high winds earlier in the week, which reached speeds of up to 90mph. The company said that hundreds of engineers have been out on the network since first light on Wednesday morning working to reconnect homes. It said that 95% of customers who lost supplies due to Storm Floris have been reconnected. Andy Smith, SSEN's director of customer operations for the north of Scotland, said late on Tuesday: 'Storm Floris has been unusually powerful, especially for a storm at this time of year. 'It's brought down many trees that have endured several previous storms, and it's caused some network damage.' Performers brave the windy weather, on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh during Storm Floris (Jane Barlow/PA) He added: 'I'd like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience while we go about this massive task; we're doing our best to give people realistic, informed estimates of when we'll get their power back on. 'I'm also grateful to the teams from our contract partners and other network operators for supporting our effort.' An amber weather warning was in place for an area stretching from the central belt to northern Scotland for much of the day on Monday while the rest of the country was covered by a yellow weather warning. The storm also caused significant disruption to Scotland's rail network. Network Rail said teams have been working 'tirelessly' to repair damage to infrastructure such as overhead lines and to clear fallen trees and debris from the tracks. The storm also led to delays in exam results being delivered to pupils in some island communities on SQA results day on Tuesday.
