FVC Halloween Family Fun Day attracts crowds at Alloa Campus

A free Halloween Fun Day event at Forth Valley College’s Alloa Campus attracted crowds to celebrate the scariest day of the year and to remove the fear of retraining costs for parents and carers.

It was Tricks and Treats all the way on Saturday 31 October at the FVC Alloa Campus from 10am-2pm, where an Activity Trail, Halloween Games and Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Creative Corner and Future Skills information were all available for the local community to come along and celebrate the day.

The College aimed to use the event – not only to help families celebrate the season – but to dispel funding fears for parents looking to retrain or access courses that could change their careers and working lives. At the Alloa Campus, staff combined Halloween activities with friendly advice on Free Future Skills courses.

Two FVC HND Photography students Agnieszka Swierzkko and Vasylyna Ozhha were also on hand to take some excellent photographs on the day.

Families enjoyed the activities while adults explored training, checked eligibility for various funding and received help to apply. It was hoped the event would build confidence for those hoping to return to learning, reach local families who may not normally visit the College and generate eligible applications for the Scottish Government’s ‘Free to Learn’ Raising Income through Skills & Education (RISE), Training Access Fund (TAF) and New Flexible Workforce Development Fund (NFWDF) courses - which are distributed and delivered in partnership with Scotland's colleges and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

Zak Stark FVC’s Head of Commercial Training and Delivery, said: “We were delighted to welcome hundreds of people to our Halloween Fun Day event, and from the feedback we have had, it seems just about everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good day. We also generated 150 leads from people interested in finding out more about the training on offer from the ‘Free To Learn’ scheme and the new Flexible Workforce Development Fund. We are now excited to follow up and help the people who have expressed an interest to apply for funding for relevant courses to help change their lives.

“If you're a parent or carer earning under £33,000 - or receiving benefits -, you can learn something new at Forth Valley College, completely free.

“Backed by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council, ‘Free to Learn’ is about gaining new skills to give yourself more options: around the work you do, the time you have, and the direction you take. It puts you in control, which can only benefit your future and your family.

“Whether you're currently in work or not, you can decide what you learn and how much. It could be a day or two to try something out, or part-time learning that builds over time. Big or small, we'll help you choose. Not sure where to start? That's what we're here for. Talk to us we'll help you find learning and support that works for you.”

How it works around your life:

•    It's free. Learning costs you nothing.
•    It fits around you. There are evening and part-time options. Some learning happens in the community or from home, not just on campus.
•    It won't affect any benefits. Free part-time learning won't impact your allowances.
•    You'll be looked after. Lots of our learners are adults coming back after time away, so you won't be in a classroom full of teenagers. Support is also available for dyslexia, mental health, reading, writing, numbers and English.
•    You can start small. Try a taster first. There's no pressure, and no need to know where it leads.

What you learn can be big or small. Try a short course or build up over time. Choose evenings, part-time, or even learn at home. You won't be in a classroom of teenagers, and there's extra support if you need it, for things like dyslexia and literacy.

You don't need to know where learning leads. You just need to know that gaining new skills gives you and your family more options for the future.

For more information contact 01324-403173 or email fwdf@forthvalley.ac.uk
Alternatively visit Funding Opportunities | Forth Valley College