This week's blog is by Miles Lagan, Head of Business Development at Fife College.  Colleges Scotland is marking the diversity and variety of the work that Scotland's 24 colleges do with our new blog series, 24 in 2024.

At Fife College, we are deeply committed to forging partnerships with industry to deliver customised training solutions that drive significant positive change. 

This commitment has been exemplified by our pivotal role in Babcock’s innovative Production Support Operative (PSO) programme. Developed collaboratively with Fife Council, Kingdom Works, trade unions, and local industry partners, this initiative was launched to address critical skills gaps in the shipbuilding sector. Our goal was clear: to create a transformative training programme that not only enhances career pathways but also strengthens industry capabilities.

Fife College served as the educational cornerstone of this initiative, delivering tailored training at our Rosyth Campus. From comprehensive health and safety protocols to specialised skills development, each participant received personalised training aimed at ensuring their success in their roles.

The impact of our collaboration became evident as Babcock successfully integrated over 150 trained PSOs into their workforce between 2022 and 2023. This achievement not only met immediate staffing needs but also laid the groundwork for sustained growth and development within the industry. Babcock plans to expand further, creating an additional 350 PSO roles over the next four years as part of a broader initiative to add 1,000 new jobs at their Rosyth site—with Fife College poised to provide essential specialist training.

The PSO programme's recognition at the recent Centre for Engineering, Education and Development (CeeD) Industry Awards underscored its effectiveness in driving transformative change. Winning the 'Transformational Change through Education & Skills' category validated our collaborative efforts in promoting industry innovation and addressing critical skills shortages.

Further accolades from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Sanctuary Awards and a nomination at The Herald's Higher Education Awards reinforced the programme's impact and our steadfast commitment to enhancing industry engagement and empowerment.

As Babcock continues to expand and innovate, Fife College remains dedicated to supporting them every step of the way. Our focus on delivering cost-effective, tailored training packages ensures that we can nurture talent and empower individuals to excel in their careers.

Our partnership with Babcock in pioneering the PSO programme not only meets vital industry needs but also serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. As the programme continues to succeed, it stands as a beacon of how education and industry partnerships can create a brighter future for all stakeholders.

For more details on the tailored training solutions Fife College offers, visit www.business.fife.ac.uk.