New Montrose skills academy to improve outcome for children in care
Scotland’s first on-site skills academy, aimed at improving the outcomes of young people in care, is being created near Montrose.
The facility at Rossie Young People’s Trust will operate in partnership with Dundee and Angus College, providing vocational skills training for its community of young people and increasing their chances of finding and sustaining employment.
Primarily aimed at 16-19 year olds, the on-site skills and training centre, set to open in August 2026, will be the first of its kind in Scotland.
Recruitment is now underway for a number of posts – five classroom assistants to be employed by Rossie, and three skills coaches to be employed by the college.
Rossie provides bespoke education, specialist support and welfare services for children and young people up to age 18.
Offering hands-on training in everything from plumbing and painting to joinery and IT, the new facility will enable small-group skills development within a supportive and therapeutic environment.
Young people will have the opportunity to achieve SCQF Levels 3–5 qualifications, or standalone units for those with shorter stays. The facility will also provide clear progression pathways, supporting young people as they advance through life.
Its development reflects Rossie Young People’s Trust’s strong commitment to delivering on the ambitions of both the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024 and The Promise.
Central to both is the expectation that children and young people in care are supported to achieve positive, sustained outcomes through approaches that are rights-based, trauma-informed and tailored to individual need.
The model directly supports The Promise’s ambition that young people are given opportunities to develop skills, confidence and pathways into adulthood, including employment and further learning.
Core skills will be integrated into practical training, including communication, numeracy, health and safety, and teamwork, to ensure young people are well prepared for life beyond Rossie.
The new facility will also house a fully functioning kitchen to teach independent living skills and office spaces for staff.
Simon Hewitt, college principal, joined Kevin Northcott, Rossie Young People’s Trust chief executive officer, to announce the partnership.
Mr Northcott said: “Rossie is home to a community of young people, many of whom have experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences, leading to complex needs and vulnerabilities.
“We want them to achieve not just during their time at Rossie, but long after they leave. Through the skills academy, young people will benefit from hands-on, skills-based learning, while also developing core abilities in areas such as maths and English.”
Mr Hewitt added: “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally accessible. This partnership is about changing that. By bringing education directly into Rossie, we can create meaningful opportunities for young people to gain skills, qualifications and confidence for the future.”