For immediate release 12 June 2007
STUC CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IN FOR PART-TIME STUDY
Speaking ahead of the Education Secretary’s statement to the Scottish Parliament on higher education, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, said:
“Whilst I welcome the Scottish Executive plans to abolish the Graduate Endowment Scheme, I urge Ministers not to forget about those undertaking part-time study who currently receive no financial support.
“Up-skilling the current workforce is often overlooked in favour of the investment in the workforce of the future. With 75% of those who will be in the workforce in 2020 already working, more investment in their skills, through support for part-time HE study, is essential if our economy is to develop.
“The Scottish Executive needs to provide the resources to support part-time study in colleges and universities but also to ensure greater employer investment. Widening access to further and higher education for today’s workers is not only just, it is a necessity.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Anna Ritchie 0141 337 8100