A month long global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) awareness raising campaign has begun and Forth Valley College are calling for staff, students and College departments to share their SDG journeys.
Many of FVC’s classes, groups and departments already support one or more of the 17 SDGs– https://sdgs.un.org/goals - and the College is looking to recognise how others can get involved.
Here is an excellent example of how SDG awareness is operating at FVC.
Forth Valley College’s Workstart Rural Skills Pathway is transforming the way students with additional support needs engage with sustainability, employability, and the rural economy. Designed for young people with a particular interest in practical outdoor work, the course offers a hands-on, inclusive approach to learning that is deeply rooted in community partnerships and environmental stewardship.
Students on the course gain practical experience through collaborations with organisations such as Hawkhill Community Centre, Brucefield Estates, Fountain Forestry, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). These partnerships allow students to participate in real-world conservation and estate maintenance projects, supporting SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 13: Climate Action by promoting sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
The curriculum embeds employability themes, including accredited training through LANTRA, SQA qualifications, and hospitality and practical trades. Students develop skills in forestry, conservation, and estate work, preparing them for sustainable employment in the rural sector. This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by equipping learners with the tools and confidence to pursue meaningful careers.
The impact of the programme was recently recognised when Forth Valley College was shortlisted for the Helping It Happen Awards 2025, hosted by Scottish Land & Estates. The nomination in the Education category celebrates the College’s commitment to rural innovation and community engagement, and its success in creating pathways to paid countryside traineeships for students.
One of the most inspiring moments came when students were invited to the Colleges Scotland Reception at the Scottish Parliament, where they showcased their achievements and spoke with political and educational leaders. Their participation highlighted the value of inclusive education and the importance of giving all learners a platform to share their stories and successes.
The Rural Skills students have also achieved operator certification for professional equipment, such as brush-cutters and strimmers, thanks to support from Lantra’s Future Foresters and Women in Forestry grants. These qualifications enhance their employability and demonstrate the College’s commitment to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by ensuring that supported learners have access to the same opportunities as their peers.
This case study highlights how Forth Valley College is actively contributing to the SDGs and fostering a culture of sustainability among its students—making it a proud participant in SDG Flag Day, where initiatives like these are recognised and celebrated across the College community.
