Scottish parents to receive college training under £10m scheme

Thousands of Scottish parents are set to benefit from a £10 million college training programme designed to help families escape poverty, with support for up to 2,400 parents to gain qualifications, find work or move into better-paid jobs. The RISE (Raising Income through Skills and Education) initiative will also cover childcare and transport costs to reduce financial barriers to returning to education. It forms part of a wider £22 million package targeting child poverty by increasing parents’ earnings. Eligibility guidance from the Scottish Funding Council requires an individual income below £33,000 and responsibility for at least one child under 18 living at home, with emphasis on higher-risk groups such as single parents and young mothers. Forth Valley College received £528,464 in June, including over £411,000 earmarked for RISE.