Joint college economic recovery programme launched across the South of Scotland

An ambitious package of educational courses aimed at helping the South of Scotland recover from the impact of COVID-19 is now live.

The South of Scotland Economic Recovery Programme, created in partnership with Borders College and Dumfries and Galloway College, is now open for enquiries from prospective students, with mature learners, the recently made redundant, young people, returners to education as well as businesses being encouraged to apply. 

By working together, both colleges seek to help people in their region upskill, reskill, and get back to work. 

Both colleges have tailored the courses to the economic needs of the region and courses will be delivered both online and in person.

Programmes on offer cover digital, construction, food and drink, agriculture, health and social care, and early years education to give learners an extensive range of options to choose from and provide courses that suit the abilities of applicants.

Regardless of whether a prospective student is working from home, shielding, or taking other COVID-19 measures, there will be a package available that can help them get on with, or back to, their education.

Scotland’s colleges have been at the forefront of providing vision, solutions, and support to their communities throughout the pandemic and, through initiatives like The South of Scotland Economic Recovery Promotion, they will continue to do so as the nation recovers.

Commenting on the joint initiative, Angela Cox, Borders College Principal, went on to say:

“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway College in providing a range of flexible training solutions, which will support the economic recovery across the south of Scotland.

“Both colleges are well placed to respond to the needs of our local communities, and we will continue to work together to provide innovative learning solutions.”

Dumfries and Galloway College Principal Joanna Campbell said:

“The past few months have been tough for everyone, with some people finding themselves in very difficult circumstances, and so we’re proud to step up to offer these courses to help.

 “Education is, we believe, for everyone and these courses are us putting our money, time, and talents where our mouths are – we can’t wait to welcome these new members of our colleges’ communities.” 

The new range of learning opportunities has a range of flexible study options and funding methods to ensure that participants gain the maximum benefit from this economic recovery programme.