Have your say on a new College for Shetland
As plans progress to merge Shetland College, Train Shetland and NAFC Marine Centre, the public are now being invited to come forward with their views on the future for tertiary education in the isles.
The business case for the merger has been approved by Shetland Islands Council and NAFC Marine Centre, and a project is now underway to gather the views of as many individuals, businesses and organisations as possible before the Scottish Government makes a final decision on the plans.
Students, staff and other key stakeholders are being asked directly for their input, but the online consultation, which is open till the 3rd July, is also aimed at anyone in the community who wants to share their thoughts about the future of tertiary education in Shetland.
Professor Jane Lewis, Principal Designate, is leading the project: “We have a tremendous opportunity here to build on the considerable strengths of all three bodies and create a new, unified college to help develop our community’s skills and learning. We’d like to gather as much information as possible on how people in Shetland would like to see that happen so I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to get involved.
“We’re already seeing changes in the way tertiary education is being delivered across the country in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have a unique chance now to create an isles-based hub for learning and innovation which can help support Shetland’s economy and build our skills for the future.
“We’d like to hear from as many people as possible. You may have children, be considering a change of career, or simply want to take up the chance of higher education yourself in later life – if so, we’d like to hear from you.”
The online consultation can be found here. If you’d like to receive it in another form, please email collegemerger@shetland.gov.uk