Scotland’s First On-Site Skills Academy for Young People in Care to Launch in Angus

The facility at Rossie Young People’s Trust near Montrose 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.

With a history spanning over 160 years, Rossie provides bespoke education, specialist support and welfare services for children and young people up to age 18. Set amongst 150 acres of mature grounds and woodlands between Arbroath and Montrose, Rossie offers both residential and secure accommodation, supported by almost 200 highly skilled staff.

Offering hands-on training in everything from plumbing and painting to joinery and IT, the skills-first facility will complement the existing Rossie school, which provides bespoke education programmes and qualifications.

The on-site provision will enable small-group skills development within Rossie’s 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. 

The development of the Skills Academy at Rossie Young People’s Trust reflects a strong commitment to delivering on the ambitions of both the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024 and The Promise. Central to both frameworks 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. By embedding vocational learning within a safe, therapeutic environment, the Skills Academy ensures that education is accessible, meaningful and responsive to the experiences of young people who may have previously faced barriers to engagement.

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. Through small-group delivery, integrated core skills, and progression pathways, the Academy is designed to build not only practical competencies but also self-belief and resilience. This aligns with the wider legislative and policy expectation that services move beyond traditional educational models and instead provide holistic, relationship-based support that prepares young people for life beyond care.

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.

Today, Simon Hewitt, Principal of Dundee and Angus College, joined Kevin Northcott, Chief Executive Officer of Rossie Young People’s Trust, 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. This can often impact confidence and engagement, and therefore participation in education. While every young person is entitled to an education, it must be delivered in a way that meets their individual needs.

“Because some of our young people live with us until the age of 18, it is essential that we broaden and strengthen our curriculum to include practical, life-enhancing skills. 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.

“At Rossie, we recognise and celebrate every success, no matter how small. The skills academy will create more opportunities for achievement during their time with us, building confidence and self-belief, while also embedding clear progression pathways, helping each young person to see and explore a positive future.”

Mr Hewitt added, “Dundee and Angus College and Rossie Young People’s Trust share a strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people who face significant barriers to education, employment and progression. That is why we are delighted to announce this partnership, bringing together the strengths of both organisations to co-design and deliver a skills-based curriculum tailored to the needs, aspirations and potential of each individual, while providing supported pathways into further learning, apprenticeships and employment.

“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.

“It also reflects the wider direction of travel for our College. Through our new target operating model, we are broadening pathways, strengthening partnership working across the system and taking learning to where it can have the greatest impact. Together, we can help more young people realise their potential, build positive futures and achieve outcomes that may previously have seemed beyond reach.”

For more information, visit www.rossie.org.uk