Tag: college

Health advice for freshers

Health advice for students from NHS 24

freshers1STUDENTS starting university and college this year are being advised to prepare ahead byNHS 24, Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks reminds students that there is a wealth of health advice and information available to them at the dedicated Freshers’ Health section at www.nhsinform.co.uk

He said: “Many students find themselves living away from home for the first time when they start university or college and I would urge them to use NHS inform for information on healthcare.

“During Freshers’ week, I would advise students to take the time to register with a GP in their new area. A number of universities have a dedicated GP practice for their students and for those that do not, you can search by postcode at NHS inform.
“For those students who use regular repeat prescriptions, make sure you take enough with you to last until you register with a GP and it is also a good idea to have a first aid kit and supply of pain relief with you.

“Setting up home on your own for the first time is a daunting, yet exciting experience. By preparing ahead and thinking about your health, students can make sure they make the most of it.”

For further health advice and information go to http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/Health-in-Focus/Campaigns/freshers-health

The popular health resource provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years, including safety advice, what to pack and where to go for health care.

The Health A-Z is packed with information about common illness, treatments and health services, covering topics from acne to yellow fever. The Common Health Questions section includes areas dedicated to sexual health, women’s and men’s health and food safety. Users can also find out about local health services and information on how to register with a GP.

Click on link (below) for an Audioboo clip of NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks discussing the subject: 

https://audioboo.fm/boos/2125592-advice-from-nhs-24-for-students-starting-university

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Scottish Government announces more support for students

studentsCollege bursaries and undergraduate student loans will increase and support for postgraduate students on eligible courses will be made available as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to put more money in students’ pockets.

Investment of over £100 million in college bursaries will deliver an increase in line with inflation. Undergraduate student loans will increase by £250 a year, bringing the minimum income for those from the lowest income households to £7,500.

Scottish domiciled postgraduate students undertaking  eligible supported courses, a majority of which cover STEM subjects which are in demand from employers, will be able to apply for a loan of up to £4,500 a year to help with living costs from 2015-16. This is in addition to the current loan available as a contribution towards the cost of tuition.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Michael Russell said: “Providing protection from inflation for further education student support in the next academic year was a key priority for students. Our response will see the value of the total college bursaries package rise to around £105 million.

“For higher education students, we scrapped tuition fees, introduced a minimum income of £7,250 – which will now rise to £7,500 – for students from the lowest-income households and have provided what NUS describe as ‘the best package of student support in the UK.

“Today’s announcement to increase bursaries and loans builds on these commitments. College students will be better off while undergraduate students at university will have access to an extra £250 per year. Scottish domiciled postgraduate students on eligible courses will now be able to apply for a loan of up to £4,500 to help meet the cost of their living expenses.

“We want students in Scotland to be able to study for the qualification that suits their ability and ambition. These changes will help make that a reality and improve the life chances and employability of young Scots delivering real benefits to the Scottish economy in future.”

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Colleges open for business

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Thousands of college places ensure opportunities for young people

College places in a wide range of courses to suit all levels and preferred modes of study are still available right across Scotland, ahead of the new term starting.

While there has been an increase in the number of young Scots being accepted into university, there are also a number of other options for young people to move forward in education or help them take their first steps into the jobs market.

As well as colleges offering hundreds of varied courses with clear career outcomes, the Scottish Government has funded 1,000 places specifically to help students to progress from further to higher education.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Michael Russell said:

“The most recent UCAS figures have been welcome news for Scotland, with two per cent more young Scots accepted to university compared to this time last year, including thousands who have taken up a place through the clearing process. Other young Scots will be pursuing their education and careers through other routes.

“Colleges deliver a wide range of top quality vocational courses and provide pathways to more advanced learning and work. In the coming weeks, thousands of young people will start a full time further education course at one of Scotland’s colleges. In recent years, the Scottish Government has sought to get the very best from our college sector and important reforms will see it become highly efficient with strong links with employers, universities and schools. Additionally, as part of a £10 million package to increase participation in higher education we have funded 1,000 additional places specifically to help college students move to university.

“We can be very proud of Scottish education. Our excellent exams results and record numbers of school leavers staying in positive destinations such as university, college, or employment are real marks of success. And we have guaranteed every 16 to 19 year old the offer of a place in education or training. Students wishing to continue with their education have plenty of options and, for many, a college course will make a huge difference to their lives and the start of their future success.”students

 

Telford students to showcase skills at Edinburgh Castle

Students from Edinburgh’s Telford College will showcase their work at Edinburgh Castle as part of an event to celebrate traditional construction skills this week.  Telford is taking part in this year’s Scottish Apprentice Week by sending students from its building courses to the Edinburgh Traditional Skills Exhibition.

The exhibition, which takes place over two days, will be launched by Fiona Hislop, Minister for Culture and External Affairs and is a collaborative partnership between Construction Skills, Historic Scotland, The National Federation of Roofing Contractors, The Stone Federation and Edinburgh’s Telford College.

John Laing, Sector Business Senior Manager at Edinburgh’s Telford College said: “We are delighted to have been invited to the Edinburgh Traditional Skills Exhibition to showcase the multitude of talents of our Traditional Building students. This event is ideal for our young roofing, stonemasonry and building apprentices to demonstrate skills as well as impart knowledge on those considering studying the various traditional building courses that are out there. They have also worked hard to put together innovative roofing and stonemasonry models, an ideal way for them to showcase their skills at the exhibition and also a great way of demonstrating the type of things individuals will learn on our traditional building courses.”

Construction Skills Scotland will also be on hand at the two-day exhibition to give out information to those interested in taking up a course or a career in the industry.

Miles Dibsdall OBE, Principal of Edinburgh’s Telford College who will also be attending the event said: “It is important for us to get involved in events like the Edinburgh Traditional Skills exhibition for Scottish Apprenticeship week. Teaching practical skills which will ensure students are ready for the work place is one of the main aims we have at Telford College and the fact that many individuals are able to learn as well as work is the best thing about modern apprenticeships.”

John added: “An event like this is extremely important for the construction sector. It is important to keep educating people of what’s needed for a career in construction as well getting the chance to talk about how important traditional building courses are to the future of some of our most historic buildings. The fact that we still have a significant number of individuals wanting to come and learn these skills is increasingly promising and having exhibitions like the one at Edinburgh Castle are a great way to get everyone in the same place creating a buzz about the sector.”