Sturgeonland

[stewarty27]

Nope. I worked in HE/FE from 1992 to 2008, and once Thatcher freed FE from local authority control in 92/93 (about the only good thing the bastered ever did), it expanded and flourished, with an increased headcount, improved attainment and achievement levels, and improved employability/progress to HE via 2+2 arrangements. Colleges had their own individual ‘missions’ �� and understood the needs of local industry and service sectors. Forty three colleges probably did need rationalisation, but nothing like to the extent that has been thrust on them through brutal funding cuts and poorly-derived political zeal since 2007. The cuts have basically funded the ‘free tuition fees’ for university students (admirable, but the model of execution sucks. Cuts to FE provision disadvantages further individuals and groups in already-disadvantaged communities, and removes second chances for those who left school without academic or vocational qualifications. It is an important, but neglected sector which provides trained staff to fix your car, build your hoose, plumb it, wire it, and rotovate your gairden. It provides staff to all public service areas, from IT to facilities management, and it is an invaluable support to the agricultural industry.

Blair started it with his “50% should obtain degrees” nonsense, which immediately rendered FE a poor relation, and it has been kicked up the @rse ever since. It’s down to the bare bones now, and those most in need are bound to suffer further as a result.

How very socialist.

Aye fair enough points taken. To be fair Norman Buchan's article was from 1962. Tell me do you know whatever happened to the trade Union course at Newbattle Abbey ?

[57vintage]

Aye fair enough points taken. To be fair Norman Buchan's article was from 1962. Tell me do you know whatever happened to the trade Union course at Newbattle Abbey ?

No idea. I was part of the HMIe inspection team there in 2005 or 2006, but only assessing the quality of academic support and service areas. If I’d known there were trades unions’ training programmes offered, I’d have been far more interested in that than interviewing leeching waankers like marketing managers and finance directors.

Nice setting though, and the curry hoose we ate in in Bonnyrigg would have been awarded a Very Good grading had it been on the agenda.

[stewarty27]

No idea. I was part of the HMIe inspection team there in 2005 or 2006, but only assessing the quality of academic support and service areas. If I’d known there were trades unions’ training programmes offered, I’d have been far more interested in that than interviewing leeching waankers like marketing managers and finance directors.

Nice setting though, and the curry hoose we ate in in Bonnyrigg would have been awarded a Very Good grading had it been on the agenda.

Aye that course was effectively closed by Malcolm Rifkind in 1987/88 when he withdrew funding, c unt !!

[Mason89]

Aye that course was effectively closed by Malcolm Rifkind in 1987/88 when he withdrew funding, c unt !!

I’ve heard a few tales about him.

[stewarty27]

I’ve heard a few tales about him.

Well don't keep it to yourself I knew he was the beneficiary of a few Broon envelopes,

[Mason89]

Well don't keep it to yourself I knew he was the beneficiary of a few Broon envelopes,

I know what he was spending them on. He was a Tory MP in Edinburgh. You can probably join the dots

[donsdaft]

I never understand what you’re on about Mason.

Edinburgh rock?