Recent official statistics have confirmed a significant decline in the number of students studying at Colleges of Further Education in Scotland. This includes cuts of more than 25% in the student numbers at Dundee and Angus Colleges. Both Dundee and Angus colleges are soon to be subject to a forced merger by the SNP led Scottish Government. Like the merger of a Police and Fire and Rescue services, the reduction in the number of Colleges is expected to lead to unrealistic cash savings.
The student groups that have particularly missed out, as a result of the sharp reduction in places, are mature students over twenty five and part time students, especially women returners.
At a time when unemployment in our city is high and many folk are trying to get back into work, College courses are often a helpful stepping stone from unemployment, under employment and those working at home unpaid.
This is another example of short term education cuts that lead to long term damage to individuals that are finding their route to a more successful future blocked.