Tag: skills

Burnham: ‘From today Britain will value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap’

Under the Prime Minister’s fundamental changes to the education system, 14-year-olds in England will be able to get early access to technical education, skills training, work experience and connections with employers

  • Under the Prime Minister’s fundamental changes to the education system, 14-year-olds will be able to get early access to technical education, skills training, work experience and connections with employers
  • Prime Minister to say to students: ‘whether you choose construction, coding or classics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve’
  • Schools, colleges, mayors, local leaders and employers will work together to create clear routes into good, skilled jobs in their area
  • Ofsted to change the way they measure and inspect schools, ensuring they recognise the quality of technical education and the support aimed at preparing young people for work
  • The changes follow Alan Milburn’s warning that Britain risks leaving behind a “lost generation” with over one million young people now not in education, employment or training

The Prime Minister will unveil a fundamental change to England’s education system today [Tuesday 28 July], with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes. The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with valuable early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers.

The Prime Minister is determined to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path and to ensure there are ‘no dead ends’ for young people coming out of the education system. 

This means providing high-quality technical education routes that are valued and respected by students, parents and employers.  In a message directly to students, he will say ‘whether you choose construction, coding or classics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve’. 

From age 14 (Year 10), students will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, maths and science – with a high-quality technical education that’s linked to the jobs available in their area. They will be able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience.  

Building on successful local initiatives, such as the MBacc in Greater Manchester, the new technical routes will mean young people can develop the technical knowledge and skills needed to progress in areas like engineering, healthcare and digital technology, skilling them up with the specific knowledge and capabilities that local employers need. 

Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers will work together to shape the new technical education pathways, which can be tailored around local industries and growth sectors.

Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all system designed in Whitehall, the approach will allow areas to shape education around the industries that matter and are growing in their communities. That could include advanced manufacturing, AI, digital and technology, clean energy, life sciences, construction, health and care, or the creative industries, depending on local strengths and where the jobs of the future are being created.

To support this, the Government will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work. The Government will also change the way school performance is measured. Inspectors will recognise the schools that provide high quality technical education and support young people to develop the skills, experience and confidence employers want.

Together, these changes will give schools clear incentives and strong support to expand high-quality technical pathways, rather than treating technical education as an optional add-on or a less valued alternative to academic study. This will also ensure that the new technical pathways are properly recognised alongside academic achievement, so young people have real choice over their future.

Whether young people choose university, an apprenticeship, further education or direct entry into a skilled profession, they will now be able to see a clear route from education into employment, gaining the knowledge, skills and experience they need to secure the good jobs and opportunities in their area.

The changes will be part of the Government’s wider programme of devolution – giving local leaders greater influence over education for 14 to 16-year-olds. The Government will now work together with mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers to develop the new technical education pathways ahead of an ambition to begin rolling them out from September 2028.

The changes announced today are just the first step in the Prime Minister’s plans to tackle the youth unemployment crisis.  

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected. The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.

“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.

“In a fundamental change to the education system, we will introduce new technical education pathways from 14 – prestigious routes that will give students the chance to combine the core academic subjects with the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need to get quality, well-paid jobs where they live.

“My message to young people is this – whether you choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve.

“Fixing the youth unemployment crisis in Britain will require a major shake-up in how we do things – and that’s what this government will do. I want to ensure that our education system leaves no dead ends for our young people. The changes we’re announcing today will just be the start of our work to restore opportunity and hope across the country.”

Alan Milburn’s interim report warned that Britain is at risk of a “lost generation”, with over a million 16 to 24-year-olds now not in education, employment or training. His findings painted a stark picture of a system that too often leaves young people leaving school without the skills, experience or connections they need to step into the world of work.

Many young people are struggling to make the transition into employment, with growing evidence that qualifications alone are no longer enough to secure a good job. If a young person loses contact with work at the start of their adult life, the consequences can last for decades with lower earnings, fewer opportunities, worse health and a greater risk of long-term dependence on the state.

The Prime Minister believes the best way to bring down the welfare bill is to stop people becoming disconnected from work in the first place, which is why the Government is intervening earlier to strengthen links between schools and employers and to create clear routes into employment. 

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: ““Every young person should be able to see a route to success, whatever their talents or ambitions. That’s why today is so important. It marks the start of a real shared effort with employers, businesses, mayors and councils to design an education system that connects young people to jobs and careers in their local area.

“By offering high-quality technical and vocational education alongside academic achievement, we’ll give more young people the chance to leave education with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy and the careers of the future.

“The technological revolution we are living through should mean young people become the fresh lifeblood our economy needs to adapt and grow. I want to make sure this generation is able to seize that opportunity, whatever their background or postcode.”

Alan Milburn said: “A million young people are being failed by a system that isn’t creating the opportunities for them to progress in life. The world of work is changing and the education system isn’t keeping up. 

“The changes the PM is announcing today are very welcome. They are a big step in the right direction and consistent with the findings of my review. A whole system reset is needed across health, welfare and labour market policy as well as in education and skills. I know the PM recognises this and my final report will outline the further changes that are needed.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ““For too long, young people leaving school, college or university have faced real uncertainty about what awaits them. They’re not short of talent or ambition, but the roles they need to kickstart their careers and build their futures appeared to have dried up. Meanwhile, rapid advances in AI are changing the world of work altogether.

“That’s why I welcome these new plans from the Prime Minister to tackle the root causes of youth unemployment. This is fully aligned with the work we’re already doing in London, including £18 million of new funding from City Hall, to help thousands more young Londoners into work and training and to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.

“Our ambition is to build a future where every young person has the chance to follow their dreams, fulfil their potential and shape our world for the better, and this is the future that we’ll continue to build together.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: ““Here in West Yorkshire, devolution has emboldened us to make a simple promise to our young people – that no one will leave education without having first set foot in a workplace. Now, these bold measures from the Prime Minister will empower us to go even further. 

“By putting technical and academic education on an equal footing, we can help ensure that more of our young people leave school with the skills they need to succeed in life and work.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO, Small Business Britain said: ““Small businesses are the heart of communities and are at the front line of working with schools and young people to create routes into work.

“Often supporting those furthest from the labour market, small business are and will be at the centre of this national effort, building on their strong local networks and driven by a personal investment in the success of their local economies. 

“This is why we at Small Business Britain welcome this programme. This is a great step towards preparing young people for the future, which needs to include business skills and entrepreneurship as core to the changing world of work. We look forward to supporting the Government and local communities get this into action. ”

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: ““Andy Burnham is absolutely right to launch a national effort to tackle the crisis number of young people out of work, education and training. The place-based approach the new prime minister has set out is welcome and unions can play a key role in ensuring it is a success.

“Putting technical education on an equal footing with academia brings us closer to the international standard for skills.

“And a qualifications framework that gives all young people opportunities to develop the skills and experience they need to move into a good first job with decent prospects is the right move. It’s vital this is met with adequate funding for both FE and schools to ensure meaningful careers guidance and relevant technical routes for young people.”

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: ““Retail has long provided the first rung on the career ladder for millions of people, and will continue to offer young people the skills, opportunities and experiences they need to build lifelong rewarding careers.

“Retail has so much to offer young people, and the industry is ready to play its part in tackling the youth unemployment crisis.” 

High School pupils honoured at inaugural Ken Muir Awards

Young achievers from the capital are recognised for personal development beyond academic success

Ten pupils from across Edinburgh have been recognised for their exceptional personal growth, resilience, and workplace readiness as recipients of the first-ever Ken Muir Award for Exceptional Achievement—an award which celebrates the skills and attributes that go beyond exam results.

Meshaym Nadeem, Matthew Caballero, Saif Mohammad, Milo Potter, Michael Godley, Leoni Morrison, Elena Munoz, Anna Thomson, Amber Denholm and Hazel Szeto, all S5 and S6 pupils from Balerno High School, Craigroyston Community High School, Drummond Community High School, Liberton High School, Portobello High School and St Augustines RC High School in the city, were among 86 recipients from across Scotland of the inaugural Ken Muir Award. 

All recipients of the coveted Ken Muir Award had successfully completed the Powering Futures Challenge Programme – a nationally-delivered course equivalent to a Higher, which supports senior-level pupils in becoming workplace ready.

While over 1,000 pupils nationally earned a formal SCQF Level-6 qualification through the process, the Edinburgh award winners impressed their teachers with their personal development throughout the programme – with winners recognised for growing in confidence, strengthening their teamwork and communication skills, and taking meaningful steps towards their future careers. 

Clare Thomson, a teacher at Portobello High School, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our pupils for receiving the Ken Muir Award.

“What’s been most rewarding isn’t just seeing them earn a qualification, but witnessing the confidence, maturity and resilience they’ve developed along the way.

“They’ve learned to communicate more effectively, work collaboratively under pressure, and reflect meaningfully on their own growth.

“These are life skills that will stay with them far beyond school and into the world of work. This recognition is truly well deserved.”

Professor Ken Muir – after whom the awards are named – has played a key role in advising the Scottish Government on the future of Scottish education.

As a key contributor to the 2023 report It’s Our Future – Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, Professor Muir has called for reforms to Scotland’s system of education to better prepare learners for the world of work. 

Professor Muir said: “We need a culture shift in Scotland’s education system. Of course, grades are important – but so is working hard, reflecting on progress, and growing as a person.

“These Awards are symbolic of this shift. They celebrate personal development, resilience, communication, and teamwork. These are all critical attributes that help young people thrive in life and in work.”

The Powering Futures Schools Programme, now in its fourth year, sees pupils tackle real-life business and industry challenges in teams, developing vital meta-skills while building links with employers. 

Jennifer Tempany, Co-Founder of Powering Futures, said: “These Awards highlight the often-overlooked achievements that sit beyond academic results, but which can inspire confidence and purpose in young people as they go into the world of work.

“We are proud to play our part in helping young people see their potential, and congratulate every recipient, including those from Edinburgh, for their well-earned achievement.”

Udderly brilliant! 

High School student wins milk bottle brand design competition for this year’s Royal Highland Show

Firrhill High School pupil, Lucy Bell, saw her winning milk bottle design featured at this year’s Royal Highland Show, after competing against 47 other entries as part of a school’s competition launched by the organisers of Scotland’s largest outdoor event and leading agricultural Show.   

Secondary school pupils (S1- S4) from across Scotland, were invited to design their own milk bottle brand by RHASS, the producers of the event, in partnership with the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), to support this year’s Show theme of Education and Learning and RHET’s Year of Dairy, with the aim of placing skills, knowledge, and innovation front and centre throughout the Show. 

Lucy’s winning milk bottle design, which features a cow as part of her ‘Milk Magic’ and ‘Udderly Delicious’ branding, was printed on a one litre glass bottle by Seaways Services (UK) Ltd, which provides a range of resources to the dairy sector, and was showcased at the Scottish Milk Championships during the Show. 

As part of her prize, Lucy received free tickets to the Show on Sunday 22nd June for her family and friends, as well as a keepsake of her design.  

Lucy Bell, who is in second year at Firrhil High School, said: “I wanted to design something that helped to get a simple message across about the health benefits of milk and that it was a brand of milk that was udderly delicious and something to be enjoyed!

“I’m over the moon that my design was selected and thoroughly enjoyed going to the Royal Highland Show for the very first time!”    

The top ten shortlisted design entries from the competition were showcased across the four-day event. These included other Firrhill High School pupils: Nemika Bandara, Olivia MacDougall, Alison Forbes and Alex Bian, as well as Oxgangs Primary pupils who took part in a rosette design competition for those from P1-P7: Rayyan Amir and Jack Jurasinski. 

David Tennant, Head of Royal Highland Show and one of the judges of the competition, said: “A huge congratulations to Lucy! Her design really stood out to the judges for it’s simple but effective design.

“We all agreed that it was a brand that we could imagine on the supermarket shelves and who knows, maybe we will see Lucy’s artwork featured there one day in the future!” 

The Royal Highland Show took place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh from 19th – 22nd June 2025.  

Children aged 15 and under attended for free, with the event offering a number of free educational activities and experiential opportunities for children including hands-on workshops at the RHET Discovery Centre where children explored everything from pizza building to cheese tasting and sushi rolling! 

STUC Youth Conference 2024: Usdaw seeks support for parents and carers

Union highlights need to address the challenges of automation and skills

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of young reps attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Youth Conference, taking place in Glasgow this weekend (13 and 14 July).

Usdaw is calling for action to support young working parents and carers, along with addressing the reskilling challenges for workers whose jobs are changing because of automation.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, says: “We are deeply concerned by the vast developments in workplace technology and automation in Scotland, which disproportionately impact young workers. 

“The acceleration in automation means that an estimated nine in ten employees need to retrain by 2030. 

“The Flexible Workforce Development Fund offered an opportunity to deliver the skills necessary to adapt to these changes, but it is regrettable that the Scottish Government withdrew funding. We are concerned that the delivery of quality apprenticeships and training programmes for young workers will suffer as a result.”

Usdaw is calling on the STUC to urgently campaign for the immediate implementation of the following provisions, to ensure young workers are adequately trained to take advantage of the future world of work:

  • Significant and long-term investment in skills funding, including coordination of skills and education budgets across Scotland.
  • Review retail modern apprenticeships to ensure more accessible and transparent access to training and skills.
  • Promote positive action to tackle under-representation, including calling on employers to report on actions they are taking to promote inclusive training and skills provisions.
  • The development of robust sectoral plans to support skills development across the whole of Scotland.
  • Deliver a legal right to paid time off for retraining, to encourage not just specialised skills such as data science, but greater overall digital literacy as well as broader skills development across the workforce.
  • Support a requirement under UK legislation for employers to consult on new technology, including the use of equality impact assessments, which employers must act upon. 

Paddy Lillis continues: “The pressures young parents and carers experience balancing their work life and caring responsibilities need to be addressed.

“We are concerned that young mothers are more likely to experience discrimination in the workplace related to their pregnancy or childcare.

“More worryingly, Usdaw’s own research shows 16 to 24-year-olds were least likely to know of their legal right to request flexible working, which could relieve some of the pressures young parents and carers face.

“Furthermore, many young people may not be aware of their rights to financial support such as the Young Carer Grant, which could provide some relief during the cost of living crisis.”

Usdaw is calling on trade unions and the STUC to:

  • Give a voice to young parents and carers so that their experience informs our work to win them a better deal at work and in society.
  • Develop campaign materials for young parents and carers about their legal rights and the financial support available to them.
  • Ensure campaigning, political and bargaining agendas reflect the distinct concerns of young parents and carers.
  • Continue to promote the value and importance of distinct young workers’ structures in encouraging young workers’ involvement in the trade union movement. 

Four Square: Springboard Project

The Springboard programme is for young adults aged 16-25 who are currently either at risk of homelessness or accessing homelessness services across Edinburgh.

Participants will be able to gain qualifications in Emergency First Aid at Work as well as Elementary Food Hygiene. We will support the group with employability skills such as CV writing, Job Interview Skills and Job Applications.

We also run workshops focused on mental health and wellbeing as well as weekly social outings to encourage participants to form lasting friendships.

The programme also includes a 3-day Residential trip with the Scottish Outdoor Education Centre to allow the participants to try their hand at some adventurous outdoor activities like rock climbing, abseiling, archery and much more!

Bus fare can be covered by Four Square and lunch will be provided on each day of the course.

Self-referrals can be made by emailing springboard@foursquare.org.uk

Drop-In Event: Restoring Heritage at Granton Castle Walled Garden

MONDAY 21 NOVEMBER 11am – 4pm

EDINBURGH Residents are being invited to take part in a free stone masonry workshop next Monday (21 November) to celebrate work starting to restore the Granton Castle Walled Garden B-listed wall and dovecot.

Organised by the City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with Friends of the Walled Garden with Scottish Crown Estate marine asset funding it is hoped the workshop will give people of all ages a chance to learn new or develop existing stone masonry skills.

The Council is also working with Friends of the Walled Garden on a vision to transform the historic site into a working market garden and local attraction. The project to restore the Granton Castle Walled Garden is part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s wider £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront.

Council leader Cammy Day said: “Being a heritage city, stone masonry is one of the skills it’s really important we keep alive in Edinburgh.

“This workshop is an ideal way to help people from across the city and the local area come together and celebrate this great craft as works begins to restore this historic site to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.

“It’s great to see the community in and around Granton Waterfront being so creative and dedicated to their area and I’d encourage anyone looking to try their hand at repairing the beautiful old stone wall to give this a go.

The wider £1.3bn transformation of Granton Waterfront as a new sustainable coastal town is well underway with several housing developments under construction, the restoration of Granton Station almost complete and work soon to begin to bring the iconic gasholder back to life.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing the Granton Castle Walled Garden being enjoyed by the local community as a working market garden and quality visitor destination in the years ahead.”

Anyone who would like to take a group along is being asked to contact the organisers in advance. There’s even free tea, coffee and cake!

Restoring heritage at Granton Castle Walled Garden (23 West Shore Road) EH5 1 QB drop-in event – Monday 21 November – 11am to 4pm.

Come and help repair the beautiful old stone wall using traditional heritage skills in stone masonry using lime mortar.

If you’d like to come with a group please email grantongarden@gmail.com.

Edinburgh College selected to host major national skills competitions

Edinburgh College has been confirmed as one of six venues across the UK, and the only Scottish college, to host WorldSkills UK 2022 National Competition Finals in November.

WorldSkills UK sees the country’s top students and apprentices compete in a wide range of competitions for medals and a potential place at a global WorldSkills finals event in France in 2024.

Designed by industry experts, WorldSkills UK competitions help young people grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills, as well as shining a light on the skills potential across the UK.

The finals are the culmination of a seven-month process including regional heats and intensive training.

The College is hosting eleven finals at its Granton Campus, including Forthside building, during the week commencing Monday 14 November.

Students and apprentices will descend on Scotland’s capital to participate in the following finals: Bricklaying, Carpentry, Foundation Skills: Woodworking, Furniture and Cabinet Making, Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Plastering and Drywall Systems, Roofing and Tiling, Stonemasonry, Wall and Floor Tiling.

The week culminates with a live medal ceremony broadcast presented by Steph McGovern who will reveal who winners are from her Packed Lunch studio on Friday 25 November.

Young people across the region will be able to attend competitions and experience the spectacle of the finals at Granton Campus, and drop-in to events showcasing what the college offers as well as gain careers advice and the opportunity to talk to employers and industry experts.

People who cannot attend local events will get the chance to follow things online through a special broadcast featuring live finals action, as well as interviews and advice from previous winners, experts and career advisors.

Other venues across the UK hosting finals are as follows: Barking and Dagenham, Belfast Metropolitan, Blackpool and the Fylde, Cardiff and Vale, and Middlesbrough colleges.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “We’re thrilled to have been selected as one of six venues to host finals of WorldSkills UK. We’re looking forward to welcoming students, apprentices, visitors and other stakeholders to our Granton Campus in November.

“Skills competitions like WorldSkills UK are enormous spectacles and provide a platform for skilled students to thrive, and for other young people and those perhaps looking to change jobs to learn more about careers which these highly-skilled disciplines provide. WorldSkills sets the bar extremely high with globally recognised standards and businesses increasingly looking to employ students reaching the heights the standards set. 

“More than that, in the context of plugging future skills gaps and the requirement for more skilled workers to be produced to meet national targets across a range of issues including house-building, sustainability, digital infrastructure, to name a few – it is vital that we continue to highlight skills training with events like these.”

WorldSkills UK Deputy CEO Ben Blackledge said: “We are really excited to be taking the show on the road with finals hosted by colleges across the UK. We hope witnessing the drama of the finals live will inspire young people to keep developing their technical and employability skills.

“With 62 finals spread over six venues there should be something for everyone, but we will also be providing loads of online content for people who are unable to get to one of the host venues that week.

“We are looking forward to producing our special broadcast with live action and top tips from industry experts and careers advisors. We are also delighted to confirm that Steph McGovern will be doing the duties on awards night and revealing the winners live from her Packed Lunch studio.

“With skills at the heart of UK government plans to level up and rebuild the economy, we are delighted to be playing our part and giving more young people the opportunity to explore the many opportunities and careers that high-quality skills offer.”

Joined up approach for new green jobs

A new partnership approach will be embedded across the education and skills system to ensure employers and government are working together to deliver training opportunities for the new green jobs of the future.

Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation recognises the critical importance of providing the current and future workforce with lifetime access to learning new skills, upskilling and retraining as part of plans to unlock Scotland’s economic potential.

The strategy sets out how public, private and third sector partnerships can work together to help make Scotland’s workforce more agile and support employers to invest in emerging economic opportunities.

This work is designed to help build a fairer and more equal society by ensuring economic transformation tackles inequality and drives up working standards and improves pay.

Actions include:

  • working collaboratively with employers and unions to increase investment in upskilling and retraining to better meet the needs of employers and employees in Scotland’s transition to net zero
  • supporting and incentivising employees, and their employers, to invest in skills and training throughout their working lives
  • expanding Scotland’s available talent pool, at all skills levels, to give employers the skills pipeline they need to take advantage of opportunities
  • implementing the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan to align Scotland’s skills system with business needs to reach net zero
  • implementing the next phase of the Green Jobs Workforce Academy and launching a new skills guarantee for workers in carbon intensive industries
  • developing proposals for a national digital academy to open up access to a range of subjects for all learners

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “The next decade will be decisive for Scotland’s economy and a key part of achieving our enormous economic potential will be investing in one of our greatest economic assets – our people.

“We want to build on the success of our Young Person’s Guarantee, Future Skills Action Plan and our investment in the Green Jobs Workforce Academy to create a skills system that offers lifetime access to new skills and retraining.

“A collaborative approach across all sectors will support our commitment to lifelong learning to ensure people across Scotland can access the tools they need for the jobs of the future and to participate in the labour market. This will also support employers to access incentives to invest in emerging economic opportunities which has the potential to lead to new jobs, new skills, and new ideas.”

Scotmid Co-operative initiative helps young women in India

More than 40 young Indian women now equipped with new skills and regular income

Scotmid Co-operative has helped more than forty young women in India develop new skills and secure a regular income through a partnership with co-ops across the UK.

When the Delta variant hit India with devastating effect last year, Scotmid and a group of co-operative retailers collectively raised over £100,000 to support the crisis response, initially providing essential basic supplies, health kits and education.

The support evolved to helping young female workers to grow a sustainable future out of the pandemic through a two-year incubator programme to help them develop skills in journalism, graphic design, photography, new media, research methodology and report writing.

Pranaliben, a 20-year-old woman from Ahmedabad City, is one of the women who will benefit from this support. After completing her graduate studies from a local university, Pranaliben struggled to find sustained employment which was made worse by the pandemic.

Through her mother, a member of the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), she got in touch with SEWA Cooperative Federation and learnt about cooperatives. Now she is eager to work together with young women like herself and lead her own cooperative.

Co-operatives UK worked with the Co-operative College and Co-op News to co-ordinate the appeal, partnering with SEWA in India who are delivering the programme.

Mirai Chatterjee, Chairperson SEWA Cooperative Federation said: “Women in India mainly work informally meaning their earnings can be unreliable and as soon as the crisis hit many lost their income overnight.

“Thanks to the vital support provided by our co-operative friends in the UK, we’re helping them to form two grassroots co-operatives to create a sustainable livelihood for themselves.

“As well as learning technical skills in communications and research, around forty young women will develop leadership and business management skills, and we’re developing market links to help them secure regular work and provide income security.”

Harry Cairney, Scotmid President, said: “This worthwhile partnership demonstrates the strength of co-operation. We’re proud to be a part of this initiative to grant young women in India, like Pranaliben, the necessary skills and opportunities needed to secure a regular income.”

During the initial crisis period, £70,000 of the donation from Scotmid and other UK co-ops was used to provide emergency support. This included the distribution of 4,000 household health kits, with masks, soap and immune boosters distributed across eight states of India.

Lifesaving information about the symptoms and spread of Covid was also provided to families in rural and low-income urban areas – to dispel myths and provide accurate health information.

The remaining £30,000 is now being used to deliver a two-year programme supporting the development of two young women’s incubator co-operatives.

A grassroots media co-operative will support young women to build capacity in media, journalism, graphic design, photography and new media, whilst a second grassroots co-operative will focus on research, conducting surveys, focus group discussion and report writing. 

Local Adult Education Courses starting this month

Green Woodwork in the Woods

This course will focus on learning to safely carve with wood carving knives to make a range of simple useful and decorative items from twigs and small pieces of wood.

Projects may include chop sticks, butter knives, spoons, flowers, animals, birds, etc. Other tools and projects may include shrink pots, coat hooks, small bowls, brooms. It takes place outdoors.

This is a 6 week course on Tuesdays from 1am – 12 noon, starting from 22nd February.

Enrol on www.joininedinburgh.org at least a week before (14th February) to secure a place.

Permaculture Garden Design

We will use the Salisbury Centre Garden as a base to explore various elements of permaculture and garden design. Ideally there will be some practical sessions in the course as well as theoretical. Students can decide if they want to make bird boxes or other projects.

This is a 6 week course on Mondays from 1pm – 3pm starting from 21st February.

Enrol on www.joininedinburgh.org at least a week before (14th February) to secure a place.

Essential DIY

This is a fun, informative 6 week course working with wood and developing basic DIY skills, for home improvement or for making frames or other personal wood based projects.

Learn to use carpentry tools, drills, sanding machinery as well as how best to upcycle furniture and optimum ways to paint. Everyone welcome – complete beginners who want to learn about safety and simple DIY and also more advanced DIY enthusiasts who would appreciate some tips and techniques.

This is a 6 week course on Mondays from 10am – 12 noon starting from 21st February. Enrol on www.joininedinburgh.org at least a week before (14th February) to secure a place.