Family fun day to launch free training for parents at NESCol

August 27, 2026

Critters, characters, Esports and arts and crafts are just some of the attractions on offer as NESCol prepares for family fun at its City Campus on 5 September.

The Saturday session, from 10am to 2pm, will include guest appearances from the Critter Keeper (10am to 12pm), Love Rara characters (10am to 12pm) and activities including face painting, glitter tattoos and balloon modelling (10am to 12pm). The NESCol Esports Hub, packed with gaming technology, will also be part of the programme (10am to 2pm).

The event will serve as the launch for new free training opportunities for parents across the region.

The College has been awarded more than £1million of funding from the Scottish Government to tailor delivery of part-time courses for parents or carers earning below £33,000. The training is designed to help participants gain qualifications, secure a new job or progress in a current career. Help with travel and childcare costs may also be available.

Priority is given to the following groups, although all parents and carers are encouraged to apply: lone parent families; families with a disabled adult or child; larger families (three or more children); minority ethnic families; families with a child under one year old; families with mothers under the age of 25.

The City Campus family fun activities are part of NESCol’s wider Doors Open Day activity on 5 September across all of the College’s campuses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Duncan Abernethy, NESCol’s Assistant Principal Curriculum and Commercial Development, said: “Upskilling and reskilling for parents will be a major focus for our teams in 2026/27 and we’re excited about the potential the new funding streams offer. Employability and career development are crucial in giving parents and families the chance to thrive and are looking forward to ramping up our delivery in the months ahead.

“We know it isn’t always easy for parents to find the time to explore opportunities like these and the family fun day at City Campus will hopefully help to break down some of those barriers.

“Our young visitors will have a raft of activities to keep them busy and entertained, with our teams available to offer guidance about the new training opportunities for the parents and carers who attend in a very relaxed and informal setting.

“The thought of returning to education, even on a part-time or online basis, can be daunting – but our aim is always to make it as accessible and engaging as we can.”

Visitors to the family fun session and wider Doors Open Day activity at Aberdeen Altens Campus and the Energy Transition Skills Hub, Aberdeen City Campus, Fraserburgh Campus and Scottish Maritime Academy on 5 September are encouraged to register online in advance.