THE full business case for the development of a new £4 million Skills Transition Centre at the Forth Valley College Falkirk Campus is ready for submission to the UK and Scottish governments, Falkirk Council has revealed.
The proposed centre, which would come as part of the Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal, would focus on providing the training and tools needed for jobs in new and emerging sectors such as sustainable and low carbon industries.
Students would have access to modern equipment including virtual reality tools, digital classrooms, and drones to make sure they are prepared for the ‘jobs of tomorrow’.
The report states that the Skills Transition Centre alone is expected to help over 1,000 students into employment and contribute £26 million in economic value over the next decade.
Paul Kettrick, Falkirk Council’s head of investment, assets, and climate, said, “The Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal represents a transformative opportunity for our area, offering the potential to attract new investment, create skilled jobs, and support our while also helping our local industries as they transition to a low-carbon future.
“The Skills Transition Centre is just the beginning of what this deal could deliver for Falkirk and Grangemouth, if approved. It is now up to elected members to decide if we can proceed to submit the bid and start to draw down the Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal investment.”
Kenny MacInnes, principal of Forth Valley College, added, “It has been a difficult few weeks for our local communities, but we will be looking forward to the future with confidence with this new investment from both the UK and Scottish Governments, in the new Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal.
“It will help to create and maintain the new industry opportunities that will be needed as Scotland transitions to a net zero economy, and rest assured that Forth Valley College will be there to offer the necessary training and support, to continue in our role of making learning work for the people of Forth Valley to ensure they have the skills for the future.”
