Forth Valley College has been accepted as an Associate Member of the renowned UK Skills Partnership.
UKSP is the representative body for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills to the Education Sector Advisory Group [ESAG]. This ministerial-led group supports efforts to boost UK education exports and sets the strategic direction for the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) international education team, which FVC works closely with to support its global ambitions, recently being selected by DBT to be part of the UK Government’s Skills Mission to Saudi Arabia.
The UK Skills Partnership (UKSP) has been described as a dynamic collaboration aimed at shaping a future workforce with the knowledge, abilities, and adaptability required for the challenges of the 21st century. Rooted in the belief that a nation’s prosperity is intricately tied to the skills and talents of its people, the UK Skills Partnership aims to be a visionary partnership that seeks to bridge the gap between education and industry, fostering innovation, economic growth, and societal progress.
As FVC continues to expand its international reach, UKSP Associate Member status will help the College achieve its export and growth ambitions, focusing on providing workforce development and comprehensive skills solutions to an international market.
Furthermore, UKSP fosters collaboration among skills and training providers, encouraging knowledge sharing and joint project delivery which could benefit the College in the future. The membership benefits include access to a global skills and training network for partner networking, opportunities to participate in collaborative events, and facilitated introductions to key industry players. UKSP also provides skills solutions across various industrial sectors which align with FVC’s specialisms.
Kenny MacInnes, Forth Valley College Principal, said: “Membership of the UK Skills Partnership is an important step towards placing Forth Valley College and our unique expertise in full view of potential international clients and partners. The international profile of the College has been growing steadily recently, and we are looking forward to reaping the benefits of the relationships we have been building. Membership of the UKSP is something we can be proud of and will hopefully lead to some exciting new opportunities.”
Jamie Allan, FVC’s Global Partnership Manager, said: “Being accepted as an Associate Member of UKSP recognises Forth Valley College’s (FVC) standing as a leading UK TVET institution, trusted to represent national expertise in skills and training excellence worldwide. Following our achievement of the highest rating in the Scottish Government’s new Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review, on par with the University of St Andrews, we are confident in the calibre we bring to UK and international partnerships. This membership allows us to contribute to and benefit from the UKSP ecosystem, enhancing our ability to engage globally as one of the UK’s foremost TVET providers.
“The UK Skills Partnership serves as a platform for collaboration across skills providers, awarding bodies, businesses, policymakers, and education institutions, ensuring education evolves with modern industry demands. Its diverse network includes colleges, training providers, academies, consultants, and universities across the UK, collectively building a skills-driven economy rooted in adaptability, creativity, and lifelong learning. As part of this community, FVC will gain access to world-class expertise, future-facing opportunities, and new pathways for apprenticeships, vocational education, and innovation, opening doors for the College in the months and years ahead.”
