Funding for post-school education and training to be scrutinised

The Education, Children and Young People Committee has opened a call for views on the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill.

The bill introduces changes to funding arrangements for apprenticeships, work-based learning and training for employment.

Currently, some of the responsibilities for ensuring access to Scottish apprenticeships and work-based learning are held by Skills Development Scotland. However, under the proposals, the Scottish Funding Council would take responsibility for this.

The bill also sets out changes to the procedures and governance of the Scottish Funding Council.

The committee is keen to hear what Scotland’s colleges, universities, unions, training providers, employers and students make of the changes set out in the bill.

The committee’s call for views is open today and will run until 11 April 2025.

Douglas Ross, convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee said: “The structure of the post-school education and skills training landscape is critical to Scotland’s employers who are looking to recruit people who are ready to work.

“The changes in this bill aim to improve the way that funding is provided for post-school education and skills training. Our Committee is keen to understand whether these objectives will be met.

“We would encourage anyone with an interest in post-school education and training to share their views on these proposed changes.”