Ufi VocTech Trust, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, North East Scotland College, Learning and Work Institute and key local organisations, have launched an innovative place-based collaboration to boost adult participation in learning across Aberdeen.
The Aberdeen City and Shire regions are navigating significant socio-economic shifts. An ageing population, declining employment figures, and barriers to learning have all impacted the local labour market. Many young people have disengaged from education due to negative past experiences, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Adults seeking to retrain or change careers often face unclear pathways, along with cost and time constraints.
Aberdeen is home to a network of high-quality educational institutions. North East Scotland College (NESCol), Robert Gordon University, and the University of Aberdeen provide a strong foundation for learning. While the region faces significant challenges, these institutions are well-positioned to support a renewed effort to widen access to vocational and lifelong learning.
Led by the City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and NESCol, and supported by Ufi VocTech Trust and Learning and Work Institute, this new programme of work will leverage local strengths and existing networks to respond to the needs of local learners and employers.
At the heart of our collaborative project are two new interconnected digital programmes tailored to school leavers and adult returners and aligned to the Regional Economic Strategy. Using innovative technology the programmes will offer:
To make opportunities more visible and relatable, content will include “Day in the Life” videos, real-life career stories, and salary insights — all aimed at clarifying local career options.
Each programme will offer targeted learning and support experiences, designed in collaboration with key regional stakeholders including Skills Development Scotland, local councils, colleges, universities, and employer networks.
Recognising the geographic and practical barriers learners face, the programmes will use a blended delivery model combining online learning, virtual work experiences, and face-to-face sessions.
NESCol’s existing Virtual Learning Environment ensures accessibility on any device, making this initiative especially relevant for rural and hard-to-reach communities.
The programmes are designed to be flexible and inclusive:
Secondary beneficiaries include local employers, who gain access to a skilled workforce, and the broader community, which benefits from reduced poverty, improved wellbeing, and economic resilience.
This place-based collaboration represents a bold new way of working — combining regional insight, digital innovation, and inclusive design to drive economic resilience and lifelong learning across the North East of Scotland.
Beyond immediate learning outcomes, the programme aims to deliver long-term impact: