New Centre Described as Scotland’s First On-Site Skills Academy
An on-site skills academy, aimed at improving the outcomes of young people in care, officially opened in Angus on Wednesday 23 September 2026. The Tay Skills Academy, located at Rossie Young People’s Trust near Montrose, will operate in partnership with Dundee and Angus College. The centre will provide vocational skills training for its community of young people, increasing their chances of finding and sustaining employment.
The on-site skills and training centre is described as the first of its kind in Scotland. It offers practical training in plumbing, painting, joinery, and IT, complementing the existing Rossie school’s bespoke education programmes. Through hands-on activities, young people will also strengthen core skills in areas such as maths and English. The academy also houses a fully functioning kitchen to teach independent living skills and office spaces for staff.
Rossie Young People’s Trust, with a history spanning over 160 years, provides education, specialist support, and welfare services for children and young people up to age 18. Situated within 150 acres of grounds between Arbroath and Montrose, Rossie offers both residential and secure accommodation, supported by over 200 staff.
Supported by skills coaches employed by Dundee and Angus College, the provision enables small-group skills development within Rossie’s therapeutic environment. Young people can achieve SCQF Levels 3-5 qualifications or standalone units. The facility offers clear progression pathways, integrating core skills like communication, numeracy, health and safety, and teamwork to prepare young people for life beyond Rossie.
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Kevin Northcott, Chief Executive Officer of Rossie Young People’s Trust, stated, “Today marks a major milestone for children and young people in care, who deserve every opportunity to develop their skills, confidence and pathways into adulthood and life beyond care.” Mr Northcott highlighted that The Tay Skills Academy has been “shaped with our young people at its heart,” influencing its name, look, feel, and environment to be a welcoming and inclusive space for learning.
Lee Lapin, Director of Curriculum and Partnerships at Dundee and Angus College, commented, “We are delighted to be part of The Tay Skills Academy and to bring our skills, expertise and experience directly into Rossie’s supportive environment.” Mrs Lappin added that the partnership makes learning accessible and meaningful, with practical skills at its core, enabling learners to work towards recognised qualifications and build confidence in their abilities.
The development reflects a commitment to the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024 and The Promise. Both frameworks emphasise supporting young people in care to achieve positive, sustained outcomes through rights-based, trauma-informed, and tailored approaches. By embedding vocational learning in a safe, therapeutic environment, The Tay Skills Academy ensures education is accessible and responsive to young people who may have faced engagement barriers. The model supports The Promise’s ambition for young people to develop skills, confidence, and pathways into adulthood, employment, and further learning, preparing them for life beyond care.
