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College places for 4,000
20/03/2010
An extra 4,100 new college places will be created in the most deprived areas of Scotland next year through a £15.3 million cash injection.
European Structural Funding of £6.9 million is being match-funded by £8.4 million from the Scottish Funding Council to target the pressures on colleges in the most socially deprived areas where demand for places has increased during the economic downturn.
The Scottish Government is already providing the college sector with a cash increase of £44.8 million in 2010-11 compared to the 2009-10 budget, despite the current economic climate.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"Our commitment to supporting further and higher education in Scotland has been made absolutely clear by the real terms increase in this year's Budget despite £500 million cuts from Westminster.
"Colleges are playing a vital role in helping the Scottish Government ensure a strong economic recovery for Scotland.
"These new places will provide more than 4,000 people with a real opportunity to train, learn and develop their skills so they are work ready and well equipped to find long-term employment despite the current economic climate.
"We are already investing £1.77 billion in our colleges and universities in the highest budget since devolution, and these extra places underline our continued commitment to put further education at the heart of our plans to build the economy."