Key representatives from across local government, industry, education and public sector came together this week (Tuesday 27 January) for a high level regional meeting focused on the long term sustainability of college education, skills and training in Forth Valley.
The session, jointly hosted by Ben Macpherson, Minister for Higher and Further Education, and Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, took place at the College’s Alloa Campus.
Over 45 attendees explored how organisations across the region can work more effectively together to ensure that learners, employers and communities continue to benefit from a strong post 16 education and skills system. The discussion centred on what is currently working well within the regional skills landscape, where improvements could be made, and the opportunities and challenges facing the sector in the short, medium and long-term. Partners also reflected on how deeper collaboration across organisational and sector boundaries could support better outcomes for the regional economy and its workforce.
The meeting generated a range of constructive ideas and proposals, helping to inform ongoing work to shape a sustainable, resilient and future-focused skills ecosystem for Forth Valley.
Kenny MacInnes, Principal for Forth Valley College, said: “I want to thank all who attended and I was very encouraged by the constructive and collaborative discussion among all partners involved. The long term sustainability of skills and education in Forth Valley is a shared regional priority, as highlighted by the attendance at today’s session, and demonstrated the strong collective commitment across sectors to supporting our learners, employers and communities.
“Colleges are well placed to deliver the skills and opportunities that are vital to Scotland’s economic and social ambitions, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure Forth Valley remains a region where people can access high quality, future focused learning.
“Many people will be aware that we are currently exploring options regarding the future of our Alloa Campus and the College’s long term sustainability. We absolutely want to keep our Alloa Campus open, and we are committed to engaging openly with stakeholders to secure the support needed to make this happen. It is clear that collaboration will be essential as we move forward.
“The insights and ideas shared today will play an important role in shaping the next phase of our work, and we look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead.”
Forth Valley College and the Scottish Government will continue to engage with partners as this work progresses.
Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education said:
“I deeply value the important contribution colleges make to employment and economic growth across Scotland. That is why the proposed 2026-27 budget delivers a combined increase of £70 million in resource and capital funding for our colleges. This is equivalent to 10% uplift on last year’s budget, taking our total investment in core college funding to £764 million.”
“With this funding we can work with colleges and the SFC to write the next chapter for the college sector. Tuesday’s meeting was the start of that for Forth Valley region. Having seen firsthand the determination, collaboration, and creativity of partners at the meeting, I’m optimistic for the future of the sector, and for the Alloa Campus.”
