A group of Edinburgh College students travelled across the globe to perform at one of the World’s biggest celebrations of Scottish heritage and culture last month.
The students, from the College’s HND Musical Theatre and BA (Hons) Acting and Performance courses, were invited across the Atlantic to take part in the annual Tartan Week celebrations in New York.
The group of 36 students took part in the Tartan Day parade through the streets of the city, sang in Bryant Park in association with the American Scottish Foundation, danced to the Laurettes, and performed a ten-minute programme featuring a number of traditional Scottish verse and songs.
New York City’s Tartan Week takes place annually to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture which culminates with the Tartan Day Parade, featuring over 3,000 bagpipers, Highland dancers, clan organisations, and more, proudly marching up Sixth Avenue amongst tens of thousands of spectators.
HND Musical Theatre student, Charlotte Watt, said: “The opportunities that being in New York gave me were fantastic. I was able to see shows on Broadway – both some new and some previously adored. I learned about the history of Broadway and New York’s performing scene, which I didn’t know about before.
“The whole trip was a wonderful chance to get to know students from the other course better, and it was so lovely to spend some time with our lecturers out with college. I was presented with performing experience that I will forever be able to put in writing for CV’s or Resumes such as performing in Bryant Park, as well as walking and singing in the Tartan Parade.”
HND Musical Theatre student, Hannah Turnbull, said: “This was a once in a lifetime kind of trip, I got the opportunity to sing a solo in Bryant park for tartan week and see multiple amazing musicals on Broadway.
“I would’ve never gotten this opportunity anywhere else and it was the best week.”
During the trip, the students also went to see two Broadway shows and learned from the best as they took part in a vocal workshop with Evan Zavada, who is Key 1/ Assistant Conductor for the national tour of ‘Wicked the Musical.’
In addition, the students enjoyed some downtime where they explored parts of the city, visiting the recently opened Museum of Broadway in Times Square and eating breakfast in Central Park.
Finally, on the last day the group went to 1950s-themed restaurant Ellen’s Stardust Diner, home of the world-famous singing waitstaff, where they followed in the footsteps of many aspiring singers before them by taking to the stage and performing for the customers.
Performing Arts lecturer, Zelie Jennings, said: “We are so privileged to offer this opportunity for our students. Performing in Bryant Park and being part of Tartan week 2023 was an honour.
“We were fortunate to see many Broadway shows between us all and a highlight for me was seeing how the students were taught and inspired by the wonderful Evan Zavada. Certainly not an experience we will forget.”
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.
LAUNCH PROMISES MORE STALLS, MORE MUSIC, MORE FOOD and.. SUNSHINE!
Next month’s North Edinburgh’s Community Festival will be even bigger than last years event, organisers announced at Tuesdays launch at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Around 6000 people attended last year’s gala event, and with at least SEVENTY marquees (up from 50 last year) and and not one but TWO music stages there promises to be even more for the local community to do, see and enjoy on 13 May.
Highlights include:
Disney-themed LIFT Parade from Muirhouse Millennium Centre to West Pilton Park to launch the Festival.
More than 70 local organisations and charities with Community Stalls
Two music stages: the open air Park Stage and the Green Room stage in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
The music line-up features a wealth of local talent. Performers include local youth orchestra Tinderbox, Granton Youth’s Mixtape Music Club and a session from ever-popular Fischy Music.
There’s a musical medley from the Edinburgh College Musical Theatre Group, performances from local choirs including Ama-zing Harmonies, AUGB Ukranian choir, Craigroyston High School Choir and a high-energy performance is guaranteed from local punk rockers Yer Local Bams. Low Tide, Rai Williams, Laurent and Abigail Kerner will also be performing live on the day in a musical feast.
Family events and activities will include Bookbug with Muirhouse Library and a Storytelling session with Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen writers.
Fancy some sport? You’ll be spoilt for choice as Access Parkour, Spartans Community Football Academy and Inverleith Rugby Club will all be there. And there will be children’s Zumba classes.
North Edinburgh Arts will be organising arts and craft activities and Screen Education Edinburgh will offer film workshops. There’s an Army obstacle course, too.
There will also be learning and upskilling opportunities provided by local organisations including Edinburgh College will be offering course taster sessions.
All in all, there really should be something for everyone. And with sunshine (almost) guaranteed, it promises to be a great day.
Local activist Willie Black, a member of the Festival planning committee, introduced Tuesday’s launch. “We are very excited about this year’s Festival and it promises to be a really great event, a community celebration for everyone to enjoy.
“We have a wealth of diverse talent in this community and we want to share that talent far and wide. We’re looking forward to offering a warm North Edinburgh welcome to thousands of visitors next month, and the hope is that the Festival will be a great success and that it can become an annual event.”
North Edinburgh Community Festival is on Saturday 13 May from 12 – 5.30pm. Free event. All welcome.
Edinburgh College is set to open its doors for four open days this February to showcase its facilities to those considering applying for a full-time course in August 2023.
The College, which has campuses across the capital region, is hosting open days across all four of its campuses to allow prospective students to find out about the courses they can apply for, and to also see first-hand what it’s like to study at Edinburgh College.
Sighthill Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday 7 February, Milton Road Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Thursday 9 February, Midlothian Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday 21 February and Granton Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 25 February.
Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to head to College campuses to find out more about course options, funding options and accommodation, and to also 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, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Science, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business.
Learners at any stage of their career or education journey will be able to find out more about the College’s beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses, and continuous professional development courses.
Guided tours of campus facilities will also take place during the events, with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide demonstrations along the way.
Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming prospective students onto our campuses and giving them the chance to find out what it’s like studying at the College.
“Whether you’re a school leaver, looking to boost your current qualifications, or wanting to learn a new skill, the open days are a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the courses we have on offer. I encourage anyone who’s thinking about studying with us to come along.”
For more information and to book a place at the February Open Days, visit:
Get into the festive spirit with some free mulled wine and mince pies at our carol concert organised with @edinburghcoll next Wednesday from 6pm to 7.30pm at Granton Station Square, Waterfront Broadway.
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.”
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.
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.
NHS Lothian has partnered up to support the launch of a new Edinburgh College course designed to introduce students to a career in care.
The free course, which is 10 weeks long leads to a guaranteed job interview for participants with a social care provider, opening the doors to potential future employment.
NHS Lothian, working in partnership with Lothian’s four Health and Social Care Partnerships has helped to develop the Lothian Care Academy (LCA) to support education, training and recruitment of health and social care staff.
The step into care course is an initiative championed by the LCA designed to support our the current health and social workforce, while attracting new talent to the profession.
The course itself is aimed at those who enjoy working with people, are compassionate, have a sense of fun and are seeking a new rewarding career they perhaps thought they never had the qualifications to start.
Mhairi Mackay, Senior Project Manager for Lothian Care Academy, NHS Lothian said: “The rationale for this course was to look at new ways of recruiting into social care and to provide people with experience of the job.
“We have adapted the SSSC ‘Introduction to Social Care’ course to include workshops on personal care, infection control and communication so people can be best prepared for what a career in social care might be like. We’re also guaranteeing interviews for candidates who complete the course, so it is a ‘one stop shop’ so to speak.
“The interviews could take successful candidates into a career in a care home or in a care at home service that helps people to keep their independence and stay in their own home.”
Alison Payne, Manager of Erskine Care Home, Edinburgh said: “The course is very important in opening up the option of working in care to a whole new potential workforce.
“I am hopeful that people who have considered working in care, but felt they didn’t have the skills or necessary experience will see this course as a great opportunity and even a steppingstone into a whole new career.
“One of the biggest issues facing the care sector at the moment is recruitment, in particular for care homes and care at home services.
“I think as a care home it was important for us to be involved in this project so that we can give a real insight into what care homes are really like to work in. I would also love people to see the real care home experience and the positive impact this has for residents and their relatives.”
It’s only by working in partnership with care services and Edinburgh College that’s allowed the course to come into fruition.
Commenting on the partnership Andrew Clark, Skills Boost Leader, Edinburgh College said: “One of our key aims at Edinburgh College is to improve employability within our local community.
“This partnership is really a win-win situation as it provides a pathway for people wishing to work in the care industry and gives much needed assistance to the people who require care.”
More than 750 students gathered at the McEwan Hall for a day of celebration at Edinburgh College’s annual Graduation ceremony on Friday 30 September.
Students were joined by over 3,000 proud family members and friends who watched as their loved ones crossed the McEwan Hall stage to receive their certificates of achievement.
Graduates from across the College’s curriculum were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Built Environment; and Creative Industries.
Across the three ceremonies, the College’s best-performing students were also commended by Principal Audrey Cumberford, receiving awards for academic excellence. Prizes were also awarded on behalf of the Edinburgh College Board of Management to students who have exceeded expectations throughout their College journey.
In addition, around 20 members of College teaching staff were also presented with professional development awards during the ceremonies – celebrating the wealth of CPD opportunities available to staff to support them in their role of educating more than 28,000 students each year.
Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Graduation is the highlight of the year and a wonderful occasion which signifies the culmination of all of our students’ hard work and commitment throughout their time with us at the College.
“It’s been a challenging couple of years for our College community and so frustrating that we’ve not been able to host our in-person events during this time, which is why we were so delighted to be able to celebrate our graduates at an in-person ceremony in the stunning McEwan Hall once again this year.
“The class of 2022 have persevered through difficult times and have shown an enormous amount of determination throughout their studies which will stand them in good stead for whatever they choose to do next.
“On behalf of the College’s governing body, management team, tutors and support staff, I would like to congratulate all of them on their success and wish them the very best for the future as they progress in their further studies and chosen careers.
