Colleges Scotland has campaigned for a series of asks ahead of the 2021 Scottish Parliament Election which takes place in May 2021. Read the manifesto asks.

The college sector has been crucial in driving Scotland’s social and economic recovery in previous recessions and is ready to play its full part in the education and skills-led recovery post-COVID-19. 

Colleges act as anchor points for local communities, supporting individuals of all ages and backgrounds to gain skills and qualifications, helping the most disadvantaged and furthest from the labour market, and powering regional economies by delivering the skilled workforce that businesses need.

This dynamic sector – consisting of 26 colleges across 13 college regions – is the largest skills and training provider in Scotland. Colleges invest in the futures of approximately 265,000 students and are significant employers within their respective regions, employing more than 11,000 staff.

As an agile, collaborative, and inclusive national asset, colleges play a vital role in driving Scotland’s economic, social, and educational recovery by:

• supporting the requirements of the changed economy that will emerge
• improving employability of our citizens
• supporting businesses, large and small, to rebuild and re-engage their workforce
• supporting social cohesion, positive and resilient mental health and wellbeing of our communities
• seeking an inclusive and green recovery
• contributing to the Four Capitals: economic, social, human, and natural
• supporting delivery of the National Performance Framework.