Tag: Granton Campus

New exhibition at hubCAP Gallery

CHRIS BYRNE’s MACHINE RUMOURS

A new hubCAP Gallery exhibition from Chris Byrne, entitled Machine Rumours, will celebrate the 1,000,061st birthday of Art Administration – and the week-long celebration will kick off with a birthday party on Monday 19th February. 

The opening event (5pm – 9pm) complete with birthday cake, drinks, and nibbles, will be followed by an artist talk and week-long exhibition, all taking place at The Gatehouse (located on the grounds of Edinburgh College, Granton). Full schedule of events below. 

In 1963, French Fluxus artist Robert Filliou suggested that 1,000,000 years ago, there was no art. But one day, on the 17th of January to be precise, Art was born. According to Filliou, it happened when someone dropped a dry sponge into a bucket of water.

In 2007, Canadian artist, curator, and art administrator Brian L. MacNevin declared that a little over a month after Art’s Birthday, over a million years ago, the object (a sponge in a bucket of water) from the Birth of Art was discovered, labeled artwork, acquisitioned, evaluated, documented, conserved/cared for, placed on exhibit, and pedagogically interpreted.

Henceforth 19th February became Art Administration’s birthday.

Edinburgh-based artist, educator, and curator Chris Byrne will celebrate the occasion of Art Administration’s Birthday with a presentation of new work developed and produced in response to the birth of art some 1,000,061 years ago.

Chris said: “For some time now I’ve been interested in how ideas are manifested through art. Not just the ideas themselves, but also the processes by which they become part of an artwork, and the modes of addressing the viewer.

“There is always an element of craft skill inherent in making any artwork, but art cannot be reduced to a display of virtuosity. Much of my work over the past decade has attempted to move away from the craft paradigm (complete escape is not possible) without crossing into the territory of anti-art. It’s more about which elements constitute an artwork, and how these are arranged for the spectator.

“The installation presented at hubCAP gallery centres around a sound recording made on Art’s Birthday 2024. The work seeks to integrate this artefact into the context of a celebration for Art Administration’s Birthday, and creating an exhibition within the gallery space. The objects, technical means and rhetorical gestures chosen are intended to echo some of the multi-layered origins and histories of ideas and practices referred to in the work.” 

The week’s events will run as follows: 

Birthday Procession: Leaving from HND CAP Studio (B202) Edinburgh College going to Gatehouse.   

  • Date: Monday 19th Feb 
  • Time: 5pm 

Exhibition Preview & Birthday Celebration:

  • Date: Monday, 19th February
  • Time: 5 – 9 pm

Exhibition Hours:

  • Dates: Tuesday, 20th – Sunday, 25th February
  • Time: 12 – 4 pm daily

Artist’s Talk:

  • Date: Tuesday, 20th February
  • Time: 1 pm

About the Artist:

Chris Byrne engages with visual culture as an artist, curator, educator, and writer. Originally trained as a sculptor, Chris has long-standing interests in the moving image, networked and collaborative art practices, internet art, sound, and performance.  He has organised numerous projects, exhibitions, performances, and residencies with artists across Scotland and internationally. Chris lectures in Context & Theory at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Dundee. He currently leads the research dissertation component of undergraduate Design courses across DJCAD and teaches communication theory for Communication Design students.

About hubCAP Gallery:

hubCAP Gallery is an exhibitions and events organisation led by a rotating team of student artists from the HND Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) course at Edinburgh College. Founded in 2019 as part of the HND CAP Professional Practice and Exhibition program, hubCAP provides a platform for artists through a varied program of exhibitions, events, and publications. The self-funded organisation aims to foster dialogue, learning, and engagement with college, local, and wider communities.

Visit our website for more details: https://hubcapgallery.com

Community Carols at Granton Campus

TONIGHT from 6 – 7.30pm

🎄 Need help getting into the festive spirit?

Head along to The Hub at Granton Campus tonight (Wednesday 13 December), from 6 – 7.30pm, for a festive evening of carol singing, choir singing and live music performances.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/hXCP50QfQBK

CLAYMORE: Table top war gaming event at Granton Campus

SATURDAY 5th AUGUST 10am – 4pm

This event has been running for more than 40 years!

During this time South East Scotland Wargames Club has donated more than £30,000 to various Charities including Radio Forth’s Help a Child Appeal, Poppy Scotland, SSAFA ( Our Current Charity) Scottish War Blinded at Lindburn, is used to do the following promote the hobby, encourage team participation, encourage the development of motor skills and counting,

There will be more than 20 display and participation games attending the show with over 30 traders as well.

The show enables members of the public who are not aware of table top wargaming to come along and have a try out – they do not need to buy anything: in essence the only things they need are a packed lunch and the entrance fee!

Edinburgh College to host SkillBuild regional heat

The largest and longest-running construction skills competition in the UK returns, as Edinburgh College prepares to host students and apprentices from across Scotland for the SkillBuild 2023 regional heat in the country’s capital.

SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent, as highly skilled learners and apprentices go head-to-head to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.

On Thursday 1 June 2023, Edinburgh College’s Granton Campus will host the following competitions: Bricklaying; Carpentry; Joinery; Painting and Decorating; Plastering; Roof Slating and Tiling; Stonemasonry; and Wall and Floor Tiling.

Competitors will be tested on their technical abilities, time management, problem solving and skills working under pressure. However, the competitions also bring many benefits to participants – including being proven to improve technical and employability skills, as well as advancing career options.

There are 15 regional qualifiers taking place across the UK from 27 April through to the end of June. Following the regional qualifiers, the top eight scoring competitors from each trade category will be invited to take part in the UK national final – an event which Edinburgh College was the sole Scottish host alongside counterparts across the UK in 2022. 

This year’s national final will take place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 21, 22 and 23 November 2023.

CITB’s recent Construction Skills Network (CSN) report states that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027.

It also highlights that construction is expected to remain a sector where there is demand for workers, despite the current economic uncertainty. Covering 10 different trades, SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to alter perceptions and promote the diverse range of roles available.

Gracie Brill, a SkillBuild 2022 finalist from Edinburgh College, (above) said: “I first heard about SkillBuild through someone at my workplace and decided to enter as I thought it sounded like an interesting and fun challenge.

“I tend to overanalyse and spend too long perfecting things, so it was great to be able to push myself in a different way through engaging in a timed challenge.

“For anyone thinking about entering, I’d say go for it! Honestly, I don’t think the outcome matters, it’s just a really fun and different sort of challenge. I totally didn’t think I’d made it through my regional heat but was still so glad I’d participated!”

Scott Warden, Edinburgh College Assistant Principal, said: “We’re looking forward to hosting SkillBuild at our Granton Campus in June.

“It is a fantastic event which brings together the most skilled students and apprentices from across the country, and we’re looking forward to seeing all the competitors in action.

“The event is also a great opportunity for our students and young people in the region to find out more about careers within Construction.”

CITB Skill Build Pic Peter Devlin

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I always look forward to the SkillBuild regional heats, as it’s the first glimpse we get into the fantastic variety of young talent coming through to industry. 

“SkillBuild is a wonderful initiative which aims to attract a diverse range of recruits, and with the current skills gap, it places even greater importance on the competition and its ability to promote construction careers to a wider audience.

“SkillBuild not only helps young people to grow personally, increasing their confidence and social skills, but it’s also proven to assist them professionally by developing their technical and employability skills.

“While a challenging experience, if you’re serious about a career in construction, SkillBuild is an excellent opportunity. I wish all competitors the very best of luck for the heats this year!”

To find out more about SkillBuild and the regional qualifiers, visit Go Construct.

Winners of SkillBuild construction ‘skills Olympics’ announced

Skill Build Granton Campus Pic Peter Devlin

The winners of the SkillBuild National Finals 2022 have been announced, after nearly 80 construction trainees went head-to-head over three days.

SkillBuild, often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics’, is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in partnership with WorldSkills UK and offers a chance for trainees to compete in a bid to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.

Following the Regional Qualifiers, which were held at various colleges across the UK earlier this year, the National Finals took place at Edinburgh College on 15 – 17 November. The event attracted roughly 1,000 school visitors from across Edinburgh and the Lothians, exhibiting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry.

SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices, and as competitors progress through each stage, they are tested on their technical abilities, time management, character, and commitment.

The competition is viewed by many as an opportunity to develop confidence, self-esteem, and life skills, along with the potential for the highest-scoring eligible competitors to join ‘Squad UK’ and compete internationally.

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to have been able to attend yet another year of SkillBuild, my favourite day in the calendar. It’s fantastic to meet all the talented individuals and hear about their career aspirations.

“It’s so important that we support this next generation of talent coming through to industry, encouraging them to pursue their passions and reach their full potential.

“It’s initiatives like SkillBuild that really make a huge difference and I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s competition possible. Many congratulations to all the winners and everyone who competed, you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.”

Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to all the medal winners. It is a fantastic achievement, and we hope their success will inspire more people to consider an apprenticeship and technical training as a route to great career success.  

“Using insights gained from our competition-based programmes, we work with our partners to raise standards in training, helping to drive economic growth across the UK.”   

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal and CEO, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in what has been a wonderful week, a truly inspirational platform of talent from across the UK.

“It has been a privilege for us to host the WorldSkills UK National Finals with SkillBuild and to welcome so many people from colleges and training providers across the UK.

“We have seen an incredibly high standard of skills performance from all competitors, which will be of inspiration to the many young people we had through our doors to spectate. We hope this has opened many eyes to careers in the Construction sector, and indeed to the benefits of competing in skills events such as these.

“Congratulations to all the winners and medallists, and our thanks to all who have made this a fantastic experience for our College.”

The winners from SkillBuild are:

CITB Skill Build Pic Peter Devlin

Bricklaying

Gold – Jago Gamblin

Silver – James T-Coleman

Bronze – Shaun Baker


Carpentry

Gold – Andrew Elam

Silver – Ben Price

Bronze – Robin Luscombe

Highly Commended – Eliot Duff

Highly Commended – Osian James


Foundation Skills: Woodworking

Gold – Sam Johnson

Silver – Oliver Sayers

Bronze – Dantina Gillett

Highly Commended – Adam Szewc

Highly Commended – Matthew McCarthy


Furniture and Cabinet Making

Gold – Isaac Bingham

Silver – Conor Ellis

Joint Bronze – Ciaran Baggot & Thomas Knowles


Joinery

Gold – Harry Scolding

Silver – Jack Corner

Bronze – Dion Evans


Painting and Decorating

Gold – Jade Oakes

Silver – Hattie Parnham

Bronze – Jacqui Hawthorne

Highly Commended – Joshua Thompson

Highly Commended – Paul Mason


Plastering

Gold – Jordan McQuillan

Silver – Thomas Devine

Bronze – Joshua Woosnam

Highly Commended – Kieran Rowarth


Plastering and Drywall Systems

Gold – Zara Dupont

Silver – Hugh Treanor

Bronze – Prince Senyah

Highly Commended – Ben Henry

Highly Commended – Ashley Carragher


Roof Slating and Tiling

CITB Skill Build Pic Peter Devlin

Gold – Jordan Maley

Silver – Jacob Blight

Bronze – Kyron Sharlotte

Highly Commended – Aeron Murray


Stonemasonry

Gold – Luke Maher

Silver – Douglas Stevens

Bronze – Marlene Lagnado

Highly Commended – James Lewis


Wall and Floor Tiling

Gold – Conor Nugent

Silver – Morgan Nutt

Bronze – Aaron Brady


CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild, which include Alford Awards, Albion Stone, BAL, British Gypsum, Institute of Carpenters, Crown Paints, Dickies, Nicholls & Clarke, NFRC, Schluter, SPAX, Stone Federation, TARMAC, The Tile Association, The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers and Weber.

If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in next year’s competition, visit Go Construct for more information.

Pictures: Pete Devlin

Edinburgh College hosts construction trainees for ‘skills Olympics’

Top construction trainees from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been named as competitors at the SkillBuild National Finals 2022.

SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in partnership with WorldSkills UK, often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics.’ Over 80 finalists made it through the qualifying rounds, which were held at various colleges across the UK earlier this year.

Preparations for this year’s finals are now in full swing, set to take place at Edinburgh College Granton Campus from tomorrow and conclude on Thursday evening (15 to 17 November), marked by a closing ceremony.

This is the first time the annual event is being hosted at Edinburgh College, with last year’s held at CITB’s National Construction College in Bircham Newton, Norfolk.

With an 18-hour project to complete, participants will be tested not only on their technical abilities, but on their time management, problem solving and skills working under pressure.

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “The current skills gap, as well as a demand for more workers present huge challenges. SkillBuild is just one of the many initiatives detailed in our Business Plan that aims to address the skills demand, by focusing on attracting and retaining new talent into industry.

“SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to sharpen and increase your employability skills, providing a platform for the best of the best in construction technical education. To make it through to the National Finals is a fantastic achievement, and all the competitors should be incredibly proud of themselves. I wish them the very best of luck as they take to the stage in Edinburgh this week!”

Ben Blackledge, Deputy Director, WorldSkills UK said: “Good luck to all those competing at Edinburgh College.

“WorldSkills UK’s competition-based programmes help apprentices and students grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills, as well as shining a light on the amazing skilled potential in the UK.”

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal and CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting WorldSkills UK National Finals with SkillBuild at our Granton Campus.

“Skills competitions like these are terrific spectacles and offer a platform for apprentices and students to thrive, and for other young people and those perhaps looking to change jobs to learn more about careers in these highly-skilled disciplines – supporting the need to plug skills gaps within the Construction sector.

“We look forward to welcoming competitors, lecturers and delegates from all four corners of the UK to our College for what is set to be a fantastic week of competition finals.”

Gracie Brill, SkillBuild joinery finalist, said: “I have really enjoyed the competition so far! The regional heat was super fun, and a really enjoyable challenge. I tend to overanalyse and spend too long perfecting things, so it was great to be able to push myself in a different way through engaging in a timed challenge.

“Honestly, I couldn’t quite believe I’d got through to the finals! It’s such an interesting, unique opportunity, which I have already learnt so much from – I’m really excited to have the chance to compete at the finals!”

School groups from across Edinburgh and the Lothians will also be attending to see the competitions and to take in a visitor experience exhibition, which will provide further insight into careers in construction and life at college. Winners of the SkillBuild National Finals 2022 will be announced on 25 November from 4pm, live on the Channel 4 show, Steph’s Packed Lunch.

The competitions and finalists are as follows:  

Bricklaying – Jago Gamblin, Fareham College – College Campus; Joseph Gleed, New College Swindon; Jacob Tromans, Cartrefi Ffosaron Homes Ltd; Darren Boggs, Borders College; Shaun Baker, East Coast College – Lowestoft Campus; Jake Howard, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Mathew Carswell, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Callum Wilson, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus

Carpentry – Ewan Rookes, York College; Robin Luscombe, South Devon College; Andrew Elam, Royal Signal MoD; Eliot Duff, Building Crafts College; Osian James, Colege Ceredigion – Cardigan Campus; Ben Price, Shrewsbury Colleges Group; George Clarke, Warwickshire College – Moreton Morrell College; Sammy Young, NPTC Group – Neath College

Foundation Skills: Woodworking (virtual heat) – Adam Szewc; Dantina Gillett; Kate Norton; Matthew McCarthy; Oliver Sayers; Oliver Tudor; Sam Johnson

Furniture and Cabinet Making – Conor Ellis, Coleg Ceredigion – Cardigan Campus; Joshua Fox, Moulton College; Stephanie Reilly, Moulton College; Ciaran Baggott, Moulton College; Thomas Knowles, Chichester College Group; Isaac Farmer, Chichester College Group; Jamie Armstrong, Chichester College Group; Kye Allen, Chichester College Group

Joinery – Gracie Brill, The Ridge Foundations; Jack Corner, Norton Joinery Ltd; David Walker, York College; Harry Scolding, Solihull College; Connor Dallas, Northern Regional College – Ballymoney; David Fairley, South Eastern Regional College – Lisburn Campus; Steffan Thomas, Coleg Ceredigion – Cardigan Campus; Dion Evans, Coleg Ceredigion – Cardigan Campus

Painting and Decorating – Dior Regan, Lincoln College; Paul Mason, NPTC Group – Neath College; Joshua Thompson, Dudley College – The Broadway; Jade Oakes, Riverside College, Hattie Parnham, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College – South Wigston; Claire McPhillips, Bell Group UK; Jacqui Hawthorne, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Courtney Rowland, Newcastle College

Plastering – Josh McBride, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Josh Woosnam, Grwp Llandrillo Menai – Llangefni; Thomas Devine, Grwp Llandrillo Menai – Llangefni; Jordan McQuillan, City of Glasgow College – City Campus; Jack Holmes, NPTC Group – Swansea Construction Centre; Joshua Lovell, Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College; Jonathan Donaldson, NPTC Group – Swansea Construction Centre; Kieran Roworth, Wigan and Leigh College – Wigan

Plastering and Drywall Systems – George Batchelor, Measom Dryline; Ben Henry, Errigal Contracts; Ashley Carragher, Errigal Contracts; Hugh Treanor, Errigal Contracts; Archie Downham, Measom Dryline; Shaun McKenna, Errigal Contracts; Zara Dupont, Leeds College of Building; Prince Senyah, Errigal Contracts

Roofing: Slating and Tiling – Jordan Maley, South Lanarkshire College; Jacob Blight, South Devon College; Aeron Murray, Leeds College of Building; Kyron Sharlotte, Leeds College of Building; Joshua Easton, Leeds College of Building; Nile Moore, South Devon College; Benjamin Jones, Bolton College

Stonemasonry (virtual heat) – Calum Peach; Douglas Stevens; James Lewis; Luke Maher; Marcus Nicol; Marlène Lagnado; Niall Smee

Wall and Floor Tiling – Robert McCrea, City of Glasgow College – City Campus; Morgan Nutt, North West Regional College – Greystone; Sean Mcelhinney, City of Glasgow College – City Campus; Aram Elbadian, Cardiff and Vale College – City Centre Campus; Aaron Brady, Leeds College of Building; Conor Braniff, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus; Conor Nugent, Southern Regional College – Newry Campus

If you or someone you know is interested in taking part next year, visit Go Construct for more information. You can also interact and keep up to date with this year’s finals by using ‘#SkillBuild2022’ across social media and by following CITB’s social media platforms.

Superstar students celebrate success as Prize Giving returns at Edinburgh College

More than 100 students gathered with around 300 family, friends, staff and guests to celebrate their outstanding work over the last year, as Edinburgh College’s Prize Giving ceremony returned to Granton Campus on Thursday June).

The event honoured further education (FE) students across the curriculum for their achievements over the year. Students received awards from the College’s four faculties – Creative Industries; Engineering and Built Environment; Health, Wellbeing and Social Sciences; and Tourism, Hospitality and Business.

It was a welcome return to a large-scale event within the College, the first since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

This year’s ceremony saw prizes awarded to outstanding FE students and Schools College Partnership (SCP) students as well as Foundation and Modern Apprentices. 

Prize Giving celebrates the academic achievements and dedication of students, as well as the commitment many have to juggling home life and work to succeed in their studies. The prizes included Recognition Awards, awarded to those who have gone that extra mile to succeed, Academic Excellence Awards and each curriculum areas Student of the Year award.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford also presented the Principal’s Award to Hairdressing student Harry Lyons, while Interim Chair of the Board Ann Landels presented special awards for Outstanding Achievement and International Student of the Year to Alexander Irvine and Nadia Caimi respectively. 

Forth Two radio presenter Micky Gavin was the compere for the evening at the Hub in the College’s Granton Campus.

College partners including businesses and local politicians joined the celebrations, with some sponsoring awards. Awards sponsors included former hairdresser to the Royal Family Denise McAdam, and restaurateur and hotelier James Thomson OBE, among others.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “It was fantastic to bring Prize Giving back to our Granton Campus. There was an incredible atmosphere in the hub and it was wonderful to see so many of our students recognised with awards for their outstanding work throughout session 2021/22. 

“Whatever our award winners choose to do next, whether that be continuing their studies, or gaining employment, I’m confident they will thrive and I wish them all the best for the future.”

We wish all prize winners good luck in the next step of their journey.

Edinburgh College set to showcase facilities during May Open Days

Edinburgh College is opening its doors and showcasing its facilities during two open days later this week as it gears to make a full return to campuses in August.

The College, which has four campuses across the capital region, is hosting two open days on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 May.

Midlothian and Milton Road Campuses will be open from 12-3pm on Friday 27 May, and Granton and Sighthill Campuses will be open from 10am-2pm on Saturday 28 May.

Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to head to College campuses to find out more about course options; find out more about funding options and accommodation; and meet representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association (ECSA).

The College offers courses and professional training across a wide range of subjects within the Creative Industries, Engineering and Built Environment, Health Wellbeing and Social Sciences, and Tourism Hospitality and Business.

Perspective students can find out more about beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses, as well as continuous professional development courses – something for learners at any stage of their education journey or career.

Guided tours of campus facilities will take place throughout the events, with staff on hand to answer questions and to provide demonstrations along the way. In addition, student showcases and performances will also take place on the day, while free refreshments will also be on offer.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “It’s fantastic to be throwing our doors open wide to the public and giving prospective students and visitors a real flavour of what it is like to study at one of Scotland’s largest colleges.

“After disruption to on-campus learning caused by the pandemic, we are delighted to be looking ahead to academic session 2022/23 when most course delivery will return to our campuses which house state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to best prepare students for successful careers in their chosen area of study.

“We look forward to welcoming people from across the region to our May open days – we’ll see you on campus!”

For more information and to register attendance at May Open Days, visit: 

https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/news-and-events/events/open-days-may-2022