MP Congratulates Ayr College Students on Their Graduation While Raising Concerns About Funding Cuts
Sandra Osborne MP attended the graduation ceremony at Ayr College today (Fri 28 Oct).
She said:
‘I was very impressed by the students’ achievements and the number of qualifications on offer at Ayr College and I would like to congratulate the students and staff on their hard work and dedication.
‘I am, however, extremely concerned about the level of cuts the college is facing – 10% this year and 20% over the next 2 years. There have already been job losses at the college with voluntary redundancies.
These are massive cuts which can only have very serious consequences for the provision of adult education in Ayr and as the Chair of Ayr College Board, Mr Valentine, said in his speech, it is no good the Scottish Government blaming Westminster, the SNP Government have taken this decision and they should look at
this again.
‘The college has also been instructed to concentrate on 16-19 year olds which is a laudable aim but it will inevitably mean fewer places for adult learners.
‘This follows the recent announcement that 3 Ayrshire Colleges would be merging. I have serious reservations about this move which will do nothing to promote Ayr College’s identity and in any case is unlikely to achieve the savings the Scottish Government seem to be anticipating.’
Sandra Osborne MP attended the graduation ceremony at Ayr College today (Fri 28 Oct).
She said:
‘I was very impressed by the students’ achievements and the number of qualifications on offer at Ayr College and I would like to congratulate the students and staff on their hard work and dedication.
‘I am, however, extremely concerned about the level of cuts the college is facing – 10% this year and 20% over the next 2 years. There have already been job losses at the college with voluntary redundancies.
These are massive cuts which can only have very serious consequences for the provision of adult education in Ayr and as the Chair of Ayr College Board, Mr Valentine, said in his speech, it is no good the Scottish Government blaming Westminster, the SNP Government have taken this decision and they should look at
this again.
‘The college has also been instructed to concentrate on 16-19 year olds which is a laudable aim but it will inevitably mean fewer places for adult learners.
‘This follows the recent announcement that 3 Ayrshire Colleges would be merging. I have serious reservations about this move which will do nothing to promote Ayr College’s identity and in any case is unlikely to achieve the savings the Scottish Government seem to be anticipating.’