FIFE College students will have access to £10,000 worth of scholarship opportunities thanks to a donation from ExxonMobil’s Fife Ethylene Plant.

The company is backing the Adam Smith Scholarship programme, an initiative designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The scholarship contribution was made to recognise the Mossmorran plant reaching the major safety milestone of 10,000 days without a Lost Time Injury, and will benefit those studying care and social science subjects.

Erin Fox, who is studying for a Higher National Diploma in Childhood Practice, said: “I’m thrilled to be awarded this scholarship, which will help me in so many different ways.

“I can now buy resources to progress into further education and for my school placements, which I use to enhance the children’s learning and my experience.

"I am also able to use some of the money to pay for my laptop, which I use for writing essays.”

The funding is available to help with educational expenses as well as provide opportunities for personal and academic development.

Since its launch in 1997, the programme has awarded over £1 million to deserving students, with the majority of this amount distributed in the last five years.

Kyle Aldridge, maintenance manager with FEP, said: “ExxonMobil puts workers’ safety at the top of its priorities.

"To commemorate this achievement, we decided to match the 10,000 days with a donation of £10,000 to help students at Fife College who are studying safety-related courses.

“Students embarking on a career in the care and social science sector will be following strict safety procedures daily, just like our own team.

"Their contributions to the community will be felt for generations, and it is hugely exciting to be able to invest in the future of Fife in this way.”

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Sarah Jane Linton, vice-principal at Fife College, said: “We chose to support our full-time faculty of care, social science and education students because these courses have historically received less funding compared to others.

"However, this industry is a crucial part of the Fife community, so it was essential to nurture the future talent in this area.

“The scholarship programme has supported thousands of people, creating opportunities, opening doors and transforming lives.

"It’s thrilling to see the impact this has on our students, and we are extremely grateful to ExxonMobil Fife for their valued support.”