A PROGRAMME offering war veterans a route into education and employment has been adopted by the majority of universities and colleges.

HE:FE Veterans Champion’s Network was launched last year by Glasgow Caledonian University and Edinburgh Napier University.

Since then, 90% of Scottish universities and 70% of further education colleges have signed up, pledging to ensure armed forces personnel and their families are treated fairly and to appoint an individual to champion their cause.

At an event today in Edinburgh City Chambers programme leaders will look at how to improve the scheme with help from the MOD and Scottish Government.

Jim Castle, GCU Veterans and Armed Forces Champion and HE:FE Veterans Champion’s Network chairman, said: “We have made fantastic progress in a year. Our aim was to get everyone in the higher and further education sector signed up to the network, the covenant and at least one person in place within their organisation to become a Veterans and Armed Forces Champion.”

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Charlie Wallace said he wanted veterans to secure “meaningful” jobs that are “beneficial” for all, rather than settling for “whatever job they can get”.