The Scottish Government target for apprenticeships has been exceeded, with 27,145 people starting Modern Apprenticeshipsin 2017/2018, surpassing last year’s target of 27,000. Continue reading Scotland ‘funding more apprenticeships than ever before’
Tag: skills
Finding the right person for the job costs UK plc £1.7 billion
Delays and skills shortages are making recruiting staff with the right skills for the job so difficult, it is costing British businesses £1.7 billion a year], highlights the first of a series of Skills Shortage bulletins published today the Edge Foundation. Continue reading Finding the right person for the job costs UK plc £1.7 billion
Edinburgh’s economy: A tale of two cities
“The time has come to take a good look at why there are still people living in Edinburgh who are not sharing in this prosperity” – Councillor Gavin Barrie, Housing & Economy convener
An Economy Strategy to tackle inequality and poverty in the Capital has been published by the city council. The draft strategy which will be considered by councillors at the Housing and Economy Committee on Thursday, recognises that although Edinburgh remains the second most prosperous UK city outside London, jobs growth alone has not been sufficient to tackle poverty and deliver sustained improvements in living standards for everyone.
Consultation carried out with all political parties and businesses, as well as local communities and the third sector, revealed a consensus of opinion that Edinburgh’s economy should aim to create jobs and inspire innovation but that it should also do much more to ensure that the benefits of that prosperity are accessible to all residents across the city.
It has been created around three themes – innovation, inclusion and collaboration and includes ten steps to achieve this goal. The council alone cannot achieve this and needs ownership and leadership from other city partners such as the Edinburgh Partnership and Edinburgh Business Forum.
Cllr Gavin Barrie, Housing and Economy Convener, said: “Our Economy Strategy sees an important shift in the focus of our work to help Edinburgh’s economy to grow. It is going from strength to strength and has shown great resilience during tough economic times. The time has come, however, to take a good look at why there are still people living in Edinburgh who are not sharing in this prosperity.
“We need to grow our economy so that it is fair in terms of wages, opportunity, access to housing, education and good careers. Much of that work has already started through our commitment to build 20,000 new affordable homes in the city and the £1.1b Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region deal, which will provide £300m for world leading data innovation centres, £25m for regional skills programme to support improved career opportunities for disadvantaged groups and £65m of new funding for housing to unlock strategic development sites.
“The strategy also fits in well with the most recent Scottish Government Economic Strategy and UK Industrial Strategy, both of which have placed increasing emphasis on the need for inclusive growth for our economy.
“Locally, the strategy also represents one of the first major practical steps towards achieving the City Vision for 2050 that we have been developing with contributions from people across the city since September 2016.”
Hugh Rutherford, Chair of the Edinburgh Business Forum, said: “To stay ahead of our global competitors, Edinburgh needs a laser focus on our world leading sectors – financial services, tech, life sciences, creative industries and tourism.
“But we need more than sectoral growth – we need responsible and sustainable ‘good growth’, making sure everyone benefits in a way that’s not happened before. Crucial to the success of this will be the private sector, all levels of education, and the third and public sectors working together to achieve this common goal.”
Ella Simpson, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council, said: “I am pleased the Strategy explicitly acknowledges poverty and inequality in the City and highlights actions which aim to reduce the impact on people’s lives. The strategy needs to recognise the existing communities and people as the bedrock for fair growth in the city and it is important that we provide support to business, from all sectors, to be the best employers they can be.”
The Strategy’s ten steps, which all have their own actions plans.
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Establish Edinburgh as the data capital of Europe.
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Develop Edinburgh as a city of resilient businesses with the space to grow.
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Create a step change in the growth of green and socially responsible business in Edinburgh.
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Deliver new approaches to tackling the barriers that reinforce worklessness, poverty and inequality.
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Reform Edinburgh’s education and skills landscape to meet the needs of our changing economy.
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Deepen our relationships with employers to unlock good career opportunities.
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Create a transformational city centre fit to power Scotland’s economy.
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Build a world class Waterfront, and deliver business and residential growth in West Edinburgh.
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Build affordable places for people to live and work.
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Deliver sustainable and inclusive growth in our world leading culture and tourism sectors.
Last call to sign up for Childcare Academy
Next course starts on Monday 13 March
Edinburgh College apprentices win medals at UK Skills Show
Gold and bronze for Dan and Jordan
Two Edinburgh College apprentices lifted trophies at a national skills competition this week, toppling UK rivals as they painted, decorated and crafted their way to success. Continue reading Edinburgh College apprentices win medals at UK Skills Show
New year, new career?
Edinburgh College January courses open for application
Edinburgh College is inviting anyone who wants to fast track their futures towards great careers and further studies to start a new course in January. Applications are now open for a range of full-time, part-time, evening and open learning courses starting in the new year at the college. Continue reading New year, new career?
Edinburgh College Open Days this week
Open Day at Granton Campus on Wednesday
Anyone wanting to boost their qualifications, improve their job prospects, get on the career ladder or learn new skills should come along to Edinburgh College’s Course Open Days this week.
The Open Days on Wednesday (17 June) at Granton Campus and Thursday 18 June at Milton Road Campus – from 2-6pm on each day – are an opportunity to take the first steps into further education or learn new career-advancing skills. Expert staff will be on hand to discuss course information, progression routes and funding options.
The Open Days are a chance to learn more about and apply for the college’s new range of part-time, evening and leisure courses, including professional development programmes. These are open for applications now and include Accounting and Finance, Art and Design, Business and Enterprise, Construction, Health and Social Care, Hair and Beauty, Engineering, I.T., Performing Arts, and Sport and Travel.
The Open Days are also an opportunity to find out about full-time courses beginning in August with remaining places, which will open again on the college website this week.
At the Open Days, the college’s advisors will have all the information prospective students need, including funding options. Students on part-time courses may have several funding options available depending on their circumstances, including Individual Learning Accounts. Advisors can help students with funding applications.
Edinburgh College principal Annette Bruton said: “We have top-quality courses across our whole curriculum to suit a range of study needs, and we’d love anyone interested in finding out more to come down to our open days. Whether you want to develop your education or career, or you want to become skilled in a different field, there’s part-time, full-time and evening options to fit into your lifestyle.
“You’ll be taught by dedicated lecturers with real industry experience so you’ll be well prepared for the next steps of your career. Even if you’re not sure what the best option for you is, our advisors will be able to help and guide you to make the best decision possible.”
For more information about available courses, to make an application and to register your interest in a course, go to www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Working It Out with Tomorrow’s People
Tomorrow’s People are taking referrals for their next Working It Out course that starts this month. The Working It Out course supports unemployed young people – 16-24 yrs – to gain experience and build skills to enter into further training or employment.
Every course is made up of 14 young people, with the majority of the programme spent working on community challenges. These challenges help build a young person’s employability skills, experience, team-work skills and self-esteem.
The challenges benefit the local community and give an opportunity for young people to be seen doing something positive in their local community.
Recent challenges have included:
- Painting the offices of the MS Therapy Centre, Leith
- Building and maintaining Pilton Community Garden,
- Applying anti-climb paint to roofs of Pilton Equalities Project,
- Conservation work at Hopetoun House and South Queensferry
- Painting the sports area at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
- Assisting in the building and maintaining of Cyclone Gipsy Brae Trails Mountain Bike Track
- Landscaping and planting trees as part of the North Edinburgh Grows project
- Painting the visitors centre at Glenkinchie Whiskey Distillery, East Lothian.
The programme runs for 16 weeks – places are limited but young people living in North Edinburgh are prioritised.
For further information telephone 0798 066 9019 or email wio.edinburgh@tomorrows-people.co.uk
‘Outstanding’ new Principal for Edinburgh College
Former teacher Annette Bruton is unanimous choice
Edinburgh College is delighted to announce Annette Bruton as its new principal, to lead it into a thriving future and ensure more people can change their lives through education. She will lead the ambitious long-term growth of the college as it develops new opportunities for students, staff and businesses to excel, supporting a prosperous economy.
East Lothian-born Annette, currently chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, has extensive experience and expertise in education, originally training and working as a geography teacher, and later moving into learning support and special educational needs.
She joined HM Inspectorate of Education in 2001 and became its chief executive in 2005. In 2009, she took up the role of director of Education, Culture and Sport at Aberdeen City Council, where she worked until joining the Care Inspectorate in 2012. As chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, Annette oversaw the successful merger of three organisations into a single body.
The college Board appointed Annette as principal at its meeting yesterday (Tuesday 10 February), following a rigorous recruitment process. She will take over from interim principal Dr Elaine McMahon and will be in post before the start of the next academic year.
Ian McKay, chair of the Board of Edinburgh College, said: “Annette was the unanimous choice of the Board to become the new principal and we’re delighted she accepted the role.
“She has had a highly distinguished career in public service as well as extensive expertise and experience in education. Throughout the selection process she proved her strategic understanding, her sound judgement and her commitment to promoting lifelong learning.
“As a former teacher she has great empathy for the needs of students and staff, and the importance of ensuring they are all supported to succeed throughout their education and professional lives.
“I’m certain that she will provide excellent leadership to steer the college throughout the next crucial period of its development, and I’m very much looking forward to working with her.”
Annette said: “I am honoured to take up this post and look forward to meeting new colleagues, both staff and students.
“Edinburgh College plays a pivotal role in the life of the capital and well beyond. Its links with schools, universities and employers give real meaning to lifelong learning and empower thousands of students with new skills each year.
“Having dedicated most of my career to education at all levels, I look forward to making a further contribution to providing high-quality learning and the opportunities that gives to the whole community and the economy of our region.”
Edinburgh College interim principal Elaine McMahon added: “Since the merger, Edinburgh College has taken significant steps forward and I am delighted that Annette will take the college on this exciting new journey; she is an outstanding choice.
“In my time here it’s been an absolute privilege to fulfil the role of interim principal, and Annette will find that she’s working with extremely talented people who are committed to giving our students an amazing education.”
Edinburgh College formed in October 2012 following the merger of three Edinburgh further education colleges. It is now more than two years into a five-year change programme, with ambitious plans to grow by 20 per cent by 2017 and create more opportunities for people to engage in further and higher education. It aims for every student to achieve a positive destination, and to develop a college culture that creates educators for the future.
Excel-lent computer course at Craigroyston!
Confident Computing Course at Craigroyston
Whether you are an absolute beginner or you just want to brush up on your computing skills, this course will give you the skills you need to progress to the next level! There will be a focus on Excel and how to improve the way you use Excel as a database or for keeping records or creating reports.
Where: Craigroyston Community High School
When: Wednesday mornings, 10.30am – 12.30pm, starting now.
More info: www.joininedinburgh.org/activity/6501/ or call 0131 477 7801
Interested in finding other Adult Education classes? Take a look at www.joininedinburgh.org/craigroyston