New figures have revealed that over 2,000 part-time college places have been cut at Perth College. Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has labelled these statistics as “wholly unacceptable” and has called on the SNP Government to reverse their failing colleges strategy.
The figures, which are from Auditor General for Scotland, show that from 2008-09 part-time college places at Perth College have been cut by 2,116 places, a fall of 36%. These cuts have been replaced by only 195 extra full time places, despite pledges by the Scottish Government that people denied the opportunity to study part-time would have more options to do so on a full-time basis.
Part-time courses are vital for people wanting to work while they study, single parents and women returning to the workplace after having children.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Youngsters across Perth and Kinross are being short changed thanks to Scottish Government policies that are overly focused on university learners to the detriment of college learners.
“Perth College offers over 270 part time courses but the number of places available in them has reduced by 36% since 2008-9. In practice that means fewer students are being accepted to study worthy qualifications like accountancy and engineering.
“Cutting part time courses is denying people the opportunity to study in a way that is flexible to them. Young mothers and those already in work who are looking to improve their skillset are being shut-off from education which goes against almost every piece of evidence we have.
“The Scottish Government’s approach to colleges, which has resulted in their funding slashed, is also failing businesses, who are worried about a skills shortage. SNP Ministers in Edinburgh must explain what they are doing to turn this around as too many people are being denied the opportunity to have a first class education.”