Hansard

It is a great pleasure to speak about the vital work that is under way across our education and skills system, which is helping people of all ages to reach their potential and is strengthening the foundations of Scotland’s economy. At the heart of that effort is a simple belief that every young person deserves a chance to succeed, and that Scotland thrives when its people thrive.

The SNP Government is investing more than £2 billion to give people access to education, training and opportunities that shape lives. That investment is guided by a clear purpose: building a fair, prosperous and successful economy, supported by an education and skills system that is flexible, responsive and ready to meet the needs of communities, employers and future industries.

I have to make the same apology about my voice as the Minister for Higher and Further Education did, because I was at Hampden last night.

Nowhere is the importance of Scotland’s colleges clearer than in my constituency of Coatbridge and Chryston. New College Lanarkshire, which is a campus in Coatbridge where I am a regular visitor, was recently named the further education institute of the year at The Herald education awards. It secured four awards, including the widening access award for its pioneering undergraduate school, which was created with the University of the West of Scotland. As the first degree-level school on a Scottish college campus, it is opening up fairer and more accessible routes into higher education. Almost half of its first cohort came from some of the most socially and economically challenged parts of Lanarkshire. With innovative programmes such as Scotland’s first dental nursing degree and the learning well online platform for adult learners, the college is transforming opportunities locally. Successful students such as Chloe Sandilands, who was in the press after she overcame homelessness to become a champion for inclusion and wellbeing, have shown the life-changing impact of a supportive college environment. That is exactly what investment, innovation and fairness can achieve for places such as Coatbridge and Chryston.

Colleges across Scotland play a vital role every day. They are powerhouses of learning and aspiration, ensuring that learners gain the skills that our economy needs now and in the future. Tens of thousands of learners progress through Scotland’s colleges each year, and the Scottish Government continues to support them, with more than £750 million invested into our 24 colleges and the apprenticeships that they deliver. However, we all recognise that colleges and universities are facing financial pressures, which have been intensified by the austerity that has been imposed by the UK Labour Government. Its cuts restrict Scotland’s public finances and limit our ability to invest even more in education.

Rising energy bills, inflation and increased employer national insurance contributions have created around £50 million in extra costs for Scotland’s educational institutions. It is not just colleges and universities that have been affected; businesses in Coatbridge and Chryston and across the country are feeling the impact of rising energy costs and the national insurance increase. Those costs reduce their ability to hire apprentices and invest in local jobs. I hear that often from businesses when I am out and about visiting them, as I am sure other members do.

Despite the pressures, Scotland remains committed to expanding skills and apprenticeships. This year, the SNP Government is providing £185 million to deliver 25,000 new modern apprenticeships, 5,000 foundation apprenticeships and 1,200 graduate apprenticeships, while supporting more than 38,000 apprentices who are already in training. Supporting young people goes beyond qualifications. It means giving them confidence, guidance and personalised support. That is why this year’s programme for government commits to improving school-age and adult career services, including better information on job prospects and earnings. We are also expanding recognition of prior learning, helping people to change careers and build on the skills that they already have.

As we look ahead, we must confront the reality that many of Scotland’s skills shortages have been driven by Brexit and UK immigration policy. Scotland was taken out of the European Union against its will, losing £2.3 billion in revenue, and faces higher borrowing costs as a result. Labour’s migration plans will make it harder to attract international workers and students. Those policies run counter to Scotland’s needs and values and, by contrast, the SNP recognises the immense contribution that migrants make. That is why we have proposed a Scottish graduate visa, which would ensure that Scotland can retain the talent of those who study here.

Scotland has huge potential. By continuing to invest in education, apprenticeships and skills, we are ensuring that every young person has a chance to fulfil their future. Despite the pressures from Westminster, we remain determined to support learners, strengthen our economy and build a fairer and more prosperous Scotland for all.