That the Parliament welcomes the news that Forth Valley College has received a £259,000 funding boost to help attract the next generation of engineers; understands that this comes from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) as part of a £2 million investment in its Regional Skills Hubs initiative; notes that the college, which has campuses in Alloa, Falkirk and Stirling, will use the funds to purchase augmented reality (AR) welding simulators and run training courses; further notes that the funding will also support outreach activities using a new dual-branded vehicle, and will cover staffing costs, including the appointment of a project manager and STEM outreach staff; is enthused that Forth Valley College is also reported to be making a match-funding contribution towards the purchase, delivery and installation of the AR equipment; acknowledges that much of this will be used to deliver STEM workshops for women to help address gender imbalances in welding careers, and will seek to engage 300 young women in hands-on AR sessions; understands that the college's ambition for the first year of the initiative is for around 240 school pupils to be involved in a series of interactive workshops, mini competitions and an awards ceremony, to help attract more young people into jobs in engineering and construction; notes that the college will also collaborate with industry to bring real-world insights into the classroom, using guest speakers, career talks and mentorship opportunities, and commends Forth Valley College, its Principal, Kenny MacInnes, and the ECITB on their highly innovative and visionary endeavours in this regard.
Supported by:
Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Finlay Carson, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Annabelle Ewing, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Kenneth Gibson, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle