Project To Link Fife College And Secondary School

Wood Commission recommends that Fife College link up with Fife Council to build a secondary school in Levenmouth.

A landmark new project in Fife will cement links between a school and college ahead of the final recommendations of the Wood Commission being implemented.

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has agreed in principle to invest up to £6 million for Fife College to build a new facility that will form part of the Levenmouth campus which is set to open in 2016.

The announcement comes as representatives from business, training, education and politics meet in Edinburgh to discuss the first recommendations from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce. The Commission is chaired by Sir Ian Wood and is due to publish its second report later this Spring.

Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said: "On the day that dozens of the key players in the future of Scotland’s young workforce come together to discuss how the Wood Commission’s recommendations – both those agreed and those still to be published – this is an exciting move for the young women and men of Fife.

“Having a school and college so closely linked physically is just one way to make a significant difference to the experiences of those who move towards vocational training as a career choice, and support the transition between two areas of education.

“I commend both Fife College and Fife Council for such foresight in this innovative approach and expect other colleges and local authorities to be watching closely. Colleges and schools working together – first and foremost over curriculum, but where it makes sense, over accommodation – is precisely the kind of approach that can secure the place of Scotland’s young workforce at the heart of our economic development.

“The latest labour market statistics painted a continually improving picture for the wider economy but also offered clear evidence that a focus on youth unemployment in Scotland must be maintained. The work of the Wood Commission will build on action the Scottish Government and our partners have taken to support more young people towards jobs.”

Sir Ian Wood added: “The work of the Commission has been informed by many people from across Scotland’s education and industry communities who have so constructively contributed their time and advice. Today’s event demonstrates the ongoing commitment of those working to improve the employment prospects of all our young people and will also provide an opportunity to showcase some of the established and emerging good practice apparent in all parts of Scotland.

“As the Commission prepares to complete its final report, this event will give us an opportunity to draw on and share the wide ranging expertise that Scotland has at its disposal on this incredibly important agenda.”