STRONG AND UNITED PERFORMANCE AT THE HEART OF COLLEGE MERGER PROPOSAL
“STRONG past, stronger future”... that is the core message behind exciting proposals for the merger of three leading colleges in the West of Scotland - Clydebank, James Watt, and Reid Kerr.
Today marks the launch of a wide-reaching consultation to gather views from the public, students, staff, employers and other interested stakeholders, to find out what they think about the vision set out for the new college; including its structure, effect on students, governance and name.
The proposed merger comes in response to a Scottish Government announcement in late 2011 on regionalisation of the college sector in Scotland, the purpose of which is to improve the education and training available to students whilst responding to the funding challenges that lie ahead.
Key elements of the vision include:
- Provision of a varied and comprehensive curriculum, focused on employability, technical and essential skills which meet the needs of employers;
- A best in class education and training institution that drives economic regeneration of communities in the West of Scotland;
- Comprehensive and effective employer engagement which will lead to a more structured and proactive approach to working with business partners.
The new college will be committed to serving communities in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and beyond and to tackling social exclusion by providing access to education for all.
Mr Michael Yuille has been appointed Regional Lead for the West Region by Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell, and Chair of the Shadow Board by the Board’s of the three individual colleges. He commented:
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to share our vision of a single new college to all who wish to offer a view. Together, we have thought long and hard about what the new college will offer and now it is time for those who will use it to let us know what they think.”
“We are also gathering suggestions for a name. While we are very likely to retain the local campus titles, it will be important to select an appropriate and meaningful name for the newly formed college and we believe it is right to let those being consulted suggest what that name should be.”
Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Reid Kerr College commented “We are committed to creating a vibrant and innovative new college that will play a key role in developing new opportunities and sustainability which will bring significant benefits to our students, staff and other stakeholders. I encourage everyone with a stake in our college to participate in the consultation and make sure your views are heard.”
Responses can be made by visiting www.westregionmerger.com and should be submitted no later than 31 October 2012.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors
- Full consultation document can be found at: www.westregionmerger.com
- The West Region comprises the local authority areas of Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.
- The Government announcement on regionalisation followed a consultation paper on the reform of Post-16 Education entitled “Putting Learners at the Centre”
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Christine MacKenzie
Media House
m: 0141 220 6040 / 07887 542 124
e: christinemack@mediahouse.co.uk
