The visit took place at the site of the College’s new Dunfermline City Campus, the first net-zero-ready tertiary education building in the country, which is set to open later this year.

During the visit, the minister received an overview of several of the College’s pioneering programmes designed to equip learners with skills aligned to Scotland’s digital and green economy, many of which will be delivered in the new campus. These included Geospatial Foundation Skills, Nanogrid Technology, Data Science and the Net Zero Accelerator Hub.

These innovative areas of study prepare students for careers in high-demand sectors such as renewable energy, digital technology and sustainable infrastructure. The College’s Geospatial Foundation Skills course – the first of its kind to be delivered at college level in the UK – introduces learners to tools like drones, satellite imaging, and digital mapping, and is supported by partners including the UK Space Agency, Location Data Scotland, and AGI Scotland.

Part of the College’s wider partnership with Shell UK, the Nanogrid Technology will be centred around a purpose-built, small-scale electrical grid system housed at the new campus, providing students a unique, flexible learning environment in real-world renewable energy infrastructure.

The visit also offered an opportunity to highlight the recent sustainability milestone achieved by the Dunfermline City Campus. The campus, which is being delivered by construction partners Balfour Beatty, has successfully passed independent verification of its embodied and whole-life carbon assessments, setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction in Scotland.

Mr Lochhead said: “This project is a prime example of the growing innovation at the heart of our college sector. It will help ensure that we have the skills and talent to match the rapidly expanding and evolving digital and green economies.

“The Scottish Government stands square behind our innovative, high-growth industries which play an increasingly important role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and playing to Scotland’s strengths on a world stage.

“We, of course, need to ensure these cutting-edge sectors are backed by the right skills. I was delighted to visit the new Dunfermline City Campus to find out more about the exciting programmes being planned for this tremendous new facility.”

Jim Metcalfe, principal of Fife College, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Business Minister to our new Dunfermline City Campus and share the exciting work underway across a range of future-focused subject areas.

“Our programmes in fields such as geospatial technology, data science, and sustainable innovation are designed to meet the skills needs of Scotland’s economy – both now and in the future. As the first net-zero-ready tertiary education facility of its kind in the country, this campus is a testament to our vision for modern, impactful education.

“At Fife College, we’re committed to being an accelerator for jobs and opportunity, aligning skills with economic demand, and this new campus is at the heart of that mission.”

The visit comes after Fife College participated in an interactive showcase event at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate traditional building skills and emphasise the importance of preserving Scotland’s built heritage.

Organised by the Scottish Traditional Buildings Forum and hosted by Alex Rowley MSP and Gordon MacDonald MSP, the two-day event brought together S2 and S3 school pupils, MSPs, and industry experts to explore and celebrate the value of traditional skills in modern Scotland.

Pupils from schools across the country took part in a range of hands-on skills demonstrations, including traditional painting methods, stonemasonry, and roof slating techniques, as well as showcasing how technologies such as 3D printing and laser scanning are bringing these skills into the 21st century. Fife College was proud to offer demonstrations in the craft of marbling, with students engaging enthusiastically and creating striking pieces to take home.

MSPs who rolled up their sleeves to try out the skills on offer at the Fife College stand included minister for higher and further education, Graeme Dey MSP, Douglas Ross MSP, Colin Smyth MSP, Finlay Carson MSP and Murdo Fraser MSP. Several representatives from the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQF Partnership) also showed great interest in the College’s sessions.

Frazer Walker, head of School for Engineering, Construction & Technical Skills at Fife College, said: “Participating in this event continues to be a highlight for us. It’s a unique platform to connect with the next generation, and we were delighted with the response to our marbling demonstrations from the pupils and MSPs. These skills are not only beautiful but vital to conserving Scotland’s rich architectural heritage.

“Events like these are essential in highlighting the relevance of traditional skills in today’s world and inspiring young people to consider careers in this vital sector. They demonstrate that traditional crafts are not just part of our past, but an important part of our future too.

“We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Alex Rowley MSP and Gordon MacDonald MSP for their continued support and for inviting us to contribute to this valuable initiative.”