New Bill an ‘important step’ for post-school education, minister claims

New legislation that aims to simplify the funding system for both college and university students and apprentices has been published at Holyrood.

Higher and further education minister Graeme Dey said the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill was an “important step” for the sector.

But its publication comes after business leaders voiced concern about the proposals, which will transfer responsibility for national training programmes, including apprenticeships, from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

Liz Cameron, the chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce has warned of “significant risks” with this, saying last month that the move “undermines the progress made in equipping Scotland’s workforce with essential skills and jeopardises the nation’s economic future”.

I know there is widespread support for simplifying the funding system in this key sector and I hope that the Parliament will support these proposals

The Bill however sets out to consolidate responsibility for provision of post-school education with the SFC, as well as proposing improvements to its governance and how its oversees the sector.

Mr Dey said: “The Bill marks an important step in driving improvement in the tertiary education sector and will help ensure that our annual £3 billion investment delivers the greatest impact for learners.

“I am grateful to everyone who responded to our recent consultation and who has helped to shape the Bill’s provisions.

“Our proposals aim to reduce complexity and ensure that Scotland’s skills system continues to meet the needs of the future economy.

“I know there is widespread support for simplifying the funding system in this key sector and I hope that the Parliament will support these proposals.”