@CollegesScot Comment on the latest @EISFela Ballot  The EIS-FELA has opened a further ballot for its members to take industrial action, to the disappointment of colleges.  This additional ballot asks its members to take action short of strike action, such as working to rule and/or a resulting boycott.  This latest unnecessary move would be in addition to the three strike days which have already taken place, and the 11 days of strike action planned for April and May.

Following the First Minister’s announcement earlier this week, colleges are now able to bring 5% of students back onto campus for face-to-face teaching where it’s essential.  Online and remote learning will, however, continue to be the norm for the vast majority of students because of the ongoing restrictions. 

Earlier today Colleges Scotland (@CollegesScot) participated in the first meeting of the Ministerial Task Force, established by Scottish Government (@scotgov) Because of the national lockdown in January and February which restricts access to campuses, and disruption to learning affecting students during 2020, there is a need to support learners complete their courses during this academic year. Practical courses where students need access to workshops, labs and salons, and courses which require work-based placements in settings like nurseries and care homes, have been the most disrupted by pandemic restrictions.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on fair access to higher education - interim report  This interim report "The Impact of COVID-19 on Fair Access to Higher Education" published today (Wednesday, 30 December 2020), considers both the direct impact of the public health measures that have had to be taken and indirect impact of actions taken by Scotland's colleges and universities to mitigate the worst effects of these measures.

The Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan, published today (Thursday, 17 December 2020), sets out how Scotland will capitalise on job opportunities emerging from the net zero transition and the declaration of a climate emergency.  As part of this, the college sector will ensure that the workforce across Scotland will be upskilled and reskilled so that businesses and communities can play their part in meeting net zero emissions by 2045 as part of the wider COVID-19 economic recovery.