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.

£750,000 to assist with more welfare advice on campuses  The money will help build online student communities, increase membership engagement and develop public health and wellbeing messaging.

@CollegesScot : There is a clear difference between Instructor/tutor/assessor roles and that of a lecturer, and the remit of these roles may vary based on local and regional need.  For example, lecturers would be required to prepare learning materials and assessments, and invigilate examinations, whereas tutor/assessor/instructor are less likely to be required to do so.  Tutor/assessor/instructors will have fewer duties and responsibilities.   The EIS-FELA has exhausted all national dispute procedures/mechanisms on this matter with no resolution reached.  The trade unions were advised that any matters outstanding were at local college level and should be discussed further with the small number of colleges concerned. 

Growing the Young Person’s Guarantee  This afternoon the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Skills and Culture Fiona Hyslop launched the Young Persons Guarantee in the Scottish Parliament.