This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Forthview Learning Centre
13/07/2006
A new centre offering vocational skills and support for those accessing training and employment in Fife was opened today.
European Commission Vice President Margot Wallström and Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm officially opened West Fife Enterprises' Forthview Learning Centre.
The development of the centre has been supported by European Regional Development and Social Funds, public, private and charitable trusts including Community Scotland's Futurebuilder Scotland Investment Fund.
Commissioner Wallström was shown around the new facility with the Communities Minister, meeting people who have directly benefited from the training programmes delivered with the help of European funding support.
Margot Wallström said:
"Europe is about delivering results that can have a positive impact on peoples' lives. I am delighted to have this opportunity to open the new premises of West Fife Enterprises, and to visit a project which is making such a difference on the ground."
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"Today has been a great chance to once again highlight an example of the on-going efforts to ensure real opportunities for local unemployed and young people to receive training and access jobs. I know that organisations such as West Fife Enterprises can make a real difference to lives of many people through initiatives such as the Forthview Learning Centre which is using new technology and practical, vocational training to help people into work.
"West Fife Villages is just one area to have benefited from not only national support through the Communities Scotland Futurebuilder Scotland Investment Fund, but also European funding and I am delighted that with me the European Commission's Vice-President, Margot Wallström, was able to see first hand the work of this particular enterprise."
Chief Executive of West Fife Enterprises Ltd Alan Boyle said:
"The Forthview Learning Centre represents the future of Community Based Learning. We have brought high quality learning opportunities closer to those who need it. Our services to people out of work or marginalised in employment have been given a major boost allowing us to help much larger numbers to find and keep the jobs they want and continue the economic regeneration of isolated and disadvantaged communities".
A number of key partners involved in developing and delivering the initiative also met with the Commissioner and the Minister including Thomas Douglas, Convenor of Board of Directors, West Fife Enterprise Ltd; Scott Barrie MSP for Dunfermline West and Chair of the Forthview Development Committee and; Gordon McLaren, Chief Executive of the East of Scotland European Partnership - the largest single contributory organisation to the new centre.