Colleges, civic society and and business leaders came together at City of Glasgow College today for the Colleges Scotland annual conference.

Speakers included Jamie Genevieve, college graduate and founder of Vieve, Professor Dave Reay, Co-Chair of Scotland’s Just Transition Commission, Professor John McKendrick, Scotland’s Fair Access Commissioner, and Louise Murphy, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation.

Speaking to delegates, Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills Jenny Gilruth said: “Since my appointment as Cabinet Secretary last year, I’ve had the chance to visit some of Scotland's outstanding colleges the length and breadth of the country.

“It’s clear that Scotland's Colleges are not just places of learning, they are where a great diversity of people come to find their purpose and we should celebrate their contribution to our communities and economy.

“Businesses have long understood the value of our colleges offer to upskilling Scotland’s workforce – from large multinationals to local employers.

“College students today are learning about onshore wind technologies, advanced manufacturing techniques, AI and so much more. The transformative nature of a college education can never be underestimated.”

Shona Struthers, CEO of Colleges Scotland said: “I was delighted to hear the Cabinet Secretary reflect on a range of issues at our conference today, not least around parity of esteem for college education and there was clear and welcome recognition of the value of colleges for our economy and prosperity.

“Our conference today connected themes on climate change, equality, the economy and entrepreneurship, with colleges providing Scotland’s skilled workforce to many vital industries. I’m pleased guests were able to hear about the hugely positive journey people like Jamie Genevieve have made after gaining their college qualification, and from our other speakers who really connected colleges with some critical current issues.”