£90,000 investment to help Grangemouth residents move into new careers
A new training programme aimed at helping local people move into work has been boosted by a £90,000 award from the Scottish Government’s Grangemouth Just Transition Fund this week.
The Pathways to Employment programme (started in February 2026) will be delivered jointly by Forth Valley College and Falkirk Council and is designed to support residents who face additional barriers to employment, including young people who have recently left school.
Around 24 participants from the Grangemouth area will take part in two training cohorts. The first focuses on young people and school leavers, with a second group aimed at older residents who are currently unemployed.
Over ten weeks, participants will take part in intensive training that builds practical and technical skills alongside employability support.
The training will help people prepare for jobs in sectors that are expected to grow as Scotland moves towards a lower-carbon economy. These include renewable energy, digital technology, engineering, construction, transport and logistics.
Participants will work towards recognised qualifications and take part in hands-on learning and employer engagement. The programme will also focus on wider skills such as communication, resilience, teamwork and problem-solving to help people move into work, further training or education.
The initiative was developed by Falkirk Council and Forth Valley College working together, who will also deliver the training locally.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said:
Grangemouth is an area going through significant change as industries adapt and new opportunities begin to emerge. It is important that local people are able to benefit from those opportunities.
“This £90,000 investment will help residents who may otherwise struggle to access training or employment. For young people in particular, it offers a chance to gain recognised qualifications, build confidence and develop the practical skills that employers are looking for.
“By working with Forth Valley College and local industry partners, the programme gives participants a clear pathway into further learning or sustainable jobs in sectors that will be important for the future of Grangemouth and the wider area.
The programme also aims to help participants better understand Scotland’s transition to net zero and the increasing demand for low-carbon skills across a range of industries.
Participants who complete the programme will be supported to progress into further education, employability programmes or direct employment opportunities.