Workers and students at Coleg y Cymoedd will protest in Ystrad Mynach today, April 22, against Welsh Government cuts that will “decimate” adult education.
Trade union members are angry that proposed 50% funding cuts for next year will add to the voluntary redundancies and part-time course closures already announced by the college.
A spokesperson for the lecturers’ union UCU said: “The cuts, announced for the academic year beginning in September, will severely reduce the opportunities available for adults, many of whom are ‘second chance’ learners returning to education later on in their lives to improve their job prospects.
“UCU warns the cuts will lead to significant course closures and job losses. At Coleg y Cymoedd, the cuts will affect part time adult courses.
“Staff have been told the part-time evening access to higher education provision will end next year.
“This will severely reduce the ability for learners to improve their skills and life chances, and is ultimately a barrier to lifelong learning.”
UCU members will be joined by colleagues from the National Union of Students, Unison and other unions outside the gates of Rhondda Campus, Ystrad Mynach Campus, Nantgarw Campus and Aberdare Campus between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
UCU Coleg Y Cymoedd branch chair, Guy Stoate, said: “These cuts would be a devastating blow to colleges and risk decimating further education.
“We have real concerns that the Welsh government’s plans could be the final nail in the coffin for the types of courses people want to study as a springboard for improving their skills or just to try and get back into work.
“We urge the Welsh government to pull back from this.”
Mr Stoate has told Caerphilly observer that UCU will be balloting for strike action against the cuts in the coming weeks.