Crisis looming as number of college students down under the SNP

 

The number of students studying recognised college courses has fallen dramatically under the SNP, the Scottish Conservatives said today.

 

Figures reveal the number of college students has decreased significantly by more than 150,000 from 379,233 in 2007/08 to 226,919 in 2014/15.

 

With numbers falling by 40 per cent – concerns have been raised that there is a crisis looming in Scotland’s further education and business sectors.

 

However, this is despite the Scottish Government claiming today that college numbers have “exceeded their target”.

 

Last year, statistics highlighted where the SNP college axe had fallen, with 150,000 part-time courses cut and replaced with only 9000 full-time ones.

 

And the Federation of Small Businesses has previously voiced fears that its members were worried about a lack of skills coming through.

 

Scottish Conservative young people spokeswoman Liz Smith said:

 

“All the spin in the world will not hide the fact that student college numbers are down under the SNP.

 

“Thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds are losing out achieving their dreams and this is unacceptable.

 

“The Scottish Government has repeatedly slammed the door on those seeking to better themselves and it is no wonder many businesses are increasingly worried about a skills gap.

 

“A crisis is looming in further education and the Cabinet Secretary and First Minister must address this dramatic fall in student numbers before it is too late.”

 

Ends

 

 

 

Notes to editors

 

 

 

Link to 2007/08 figures: http://www.sfc.ac.uk/web/FILES/Statistical_publications_SFCST022016_BaselineReportforAcademicYear201415/SFCST022016_Baseline_Report_2014-15.pdf

 

 

 

Scottish Government’s press release: http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/College-numbers-exceed-target-2152.aspx

 

 

 

New figures reveal where SNP college axe has fallen:

 

http://www.scottishconservatives.com/2015/06/new-figures-reveal-where-snp-college-axe-has-fallen/

 

 

 

Small business skills shortage a wake-up call for the SNP:

 

http://www.scottishconservatives.com/2015/06/small-business-skills-shortage-a-wake-up-call-for-snp/