Tag: Edinburgh College

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

Exposed 22 – College Photography students annual exhibition returns to Out of the Blue Drill Hall

Edinburgh College Photography students and graduates will be showcasing their talents in an exhibition which sees their work displayed to the public in the nation’s capital next month.

Exposed 2022 is taking place at Edinburgh’s Out of The Blue Drill Hall from Monday 1 June to Thursday 9 June, excluding Sunday 5 June, from 10am to 5pm.

The exhibition includes works which have been created by HND2 and BA photography students. Images cover a wide range of genres including portraiture, fashion, advertising, sports, documentary, photojournalism and landscape. 

The College’s Photography department has been running the annual Exposed exhibition show since the mid-1990s, and this year 45 students from showing more than 80 images in an event the host venue describes as its ‘largest annual exhibition’.

Pete Harper, HND2 Photography graduate, from Haddington in East Lothian, said: “I’m really excited to be exhibiting my work for the first time at Out of The Blue in June. 

“The last couple of years of study has been tough, not least because of the pandemic, but it has also been immensely rewarding.  A lot of really hard work has gone into producing these images and I’m proud to have the opportunity to display them at Exposed 22.” 

Kay Frances Hyde, BA Professional Photography graduate, said: “It was a huge step for me to return to education in my fifties and I feel a huge sense of achievement having finished the degree at Edinburgh College.  

“Having worked in PR in the tourism sector for over twenty years, my photography has a strong sense of place.  I’m interested in celebrating and showcasing Scotland’s rich culture and heritage through my photography.”

Graham McGirk, Photography lecturer, said: “We’re looking forward to yet another Exposed exhibition – it is the perfect way to round off another year of hard work and innovation from our extremely talented students.

“I’m very proud of all of our students and of the outstanding work they have produced – it has been another exceptional year. We hope that lots of people can attend the exhibition to witness first-hand the wealth of stunning works on display.”

Exposed 22 is part of the College’s annual GLOW Festival – a two-month creative festival, showcasing the new generation of creative talent in Music, Theatre, Dance, Photography, Sculpture, Illustration and more. 

Find out more about GLOW Festival.

Council to launch new Skills Academy

A new Skills Academy to prepare young people for the variety of careers in the construction industry is being launched by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Skanska and Mitie have recently been awarded a 10 year Statutory Inspections, Repairs and Maintenance contract for operational buildings with the Council and have committed to creating a collaborative Skills Academy.

The development and shaping of the model is being supported by partners Edinburgh College, Developing the Young Workforce, Historic Environment Scotland, Skanska and Mitie and is being led by the Council.

The Academy is being set up to address skills shortages in the construction industry both within traditional construction trades but also within professional and back office roles. It also aims to encourage a more diverse and inclusive workforce by starting to work closely with pupils from as early as primary school to provide insights into construction.

To celebrate the launch of the Academy a special ‘Skills Demonstration’ – hosted by Edinburgh College – took place this week in the City Chambers quadrangle on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 May.

Around 100 pupils from four secondary schools, Gracemount, Balerno, Craigmount and Forrester, attended over the two days, taking part in five key construction skills – painting and decorating, joinery, slating, stone masonry and thermal imaging.

Paul Lawrence, Executive Director Place at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “No one can underestimate the impact the pandemic has had on young people in the past two years when it comes to equipping them with the skills for when they leave school.

“It’s important as a Council that we do everything we can to support them and setting up the Skills Academy is a really exciting project. There are a variety of roles within construction outwith the traditional trade apprenticeships that people may not be aware of. We want to encourage more of our young people to explore these fantastic opportunities and provide them with the skills and experience to secure employment.

“The Skills Academy is a great example of the partnership approach we use to drive forward many projects across the city.

I’m delighted that so many organisations have teamed up with us and this couldn’t be achieved without the support and input from DYW, Edinburgh College, Skanska and Mitie and Historic Environment Scotland.

“The unique buildings within Edinburgh need to be protected and maintained for future generations to enjoy and the Academy aims to address the decline in traditional skills and jobs available within the industry.”

Senior General Manager Stephen Monaghan, from Skanska, said: “Succession, competence and technical ability are all core factors that underpin our business at Skanska.

“We are delighted to be involved in this skills demonstration workshop offering our future tradespeople the early opportunity to gain an insight into what is involved in these particular trades. We think it’s really important to give people the opportunity to enhance their future skills.”

Jennifer Melvin, Community Benefits Co-ordinator at Mitie, said: “Myself and Mitie are thrilled to be part of this Traditional Skills Demonstrations in collaboration with DYW’s ‘Build Your Future’.

“Young people are expected to know what they want to do with their lives through their school choices and after leaving school without any experience of industry. Build your future is aiming to change this by providing insight that will support them to make informed decisions, which is certainly a step in the right direction.

It is anticipated the Skills Academy will be fully operational by 2024 – by which time Edinburgh will hopefully have a fully functioning Administration! – Ed.)

Edinburgh College selected to host major national skills competitions

Edinburgh College has been confirmed as one of six venues across the UK, and the only Scottish college, to host WorldSkills UK 2022 National Competition Finals in November.

WorldSkills UK sees the country’s top students and apprentices compete in a wide range of competitions for medals and a potential place at a global WorldSkills finals event in France in 2024.

Designed by industry experts, WorldSkills UK competitions help young people grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills, as well as shining a light on the skills potential across the UK.

The finals are the culmination of a seven-month process including regional heats and intensive training.

The College is hosting eleven finals at its Granton Campus, including Forthside building, during the week commencing Monday 14 November.

Students and apprentices will descend on Scotland’s capital to participate in the following finals: Bricklaying, Carpentry, Foundation Skills: Woodworking, Furniture and Cabinet Making, Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Plastering and Drywall Systems, Roofing and Tiling, Stonemasonry, Wall and Floor Tiling.

The week culminates with a live medal ceremony broadcast presented by Steph McGovern who will reveal who winners are from her Packed Lunch studio on Friday 25 November.

Young people across the region will be able to attend competitions and experience the spectacle of the finals at Granton Campus, and drop-in to events showcasing what the college offers as well as gain careers advice and the opportunity to talk to employers and industry experts.

People who cannot attend local events will get the chance to follow things online through a special broadcast featuring live finals action, as well as interviews and advice from previous winners, experts and career advisors.

Other venues across the UK hosting finals are as follows: Barking and Dagenham, Belfast Metropolitan, Blackpool and the Fylde, Cardiff and Vale, and Middlesbrough colleges.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “We’re thrilled to have been selected as one of six venues to host finals of WorldSkills UK. We’re looking forward to welcoming students, apprentices, visitors and other stakeholders to our Granton Campus in November.

“Skills competitions like WorldSkills UK are enormous spectacles and provide a platform for skilled students to thrive, and for other young people and those perhaps looking to change jobs to learn more about careers which these highly-skilled disciplines provide. WorldSkills sets the bar extremely high with globally recognised standards and businesses increasingly looking to employ students reaching the heights the standards set. 

“More than that, in the context of plugging future skills gaps and the requirement for more skilled workers to be produced to meet national targets across a range of issues including house-building, sustainability, digital infrastructure, to name a few – it is vital that we continue to highlight skills training with events like these.”

WorldSkills UK Deputy CEO Ben Blackledge said: “We are really excited to be taking the show on the road with finals hosted by colleges across the UK. We hope witnessing the drama of the finals live will inspire young people to keep developing their technical and employability skills.

“With 62 finals spread over six venues there should be something for everyone, but we will also be providing loads of online content for people who are unable to get to one of the host venues that week.

“We are looking forward to producing our special broadcast with live action and top tips from industry experts and careers advisors. We are also delighted to confirm that Steph McGovern will be doing the duties on awards night and revealing the winners live from her Packed Lunch studio.

“With skills at the heart of UK government plans to level up and rebuild the economy, we are delighted to be playing our part and giving more young people the opportunity to explore the many opportunities and careers that high-quality skills offer.”

Edinburgh College ACE students complete project to help the homeless

A group of Edinburgh College’s Access and Continuing Education (ACE) students have completed a project to help the homeless in partnership with pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire.

The students took part in Leonard Cheshire’s ‘Can Do’ programme, during which they decided to embark on a ‘building communities’ project to raise funds for, and awareness of, the needs of homeless people.

Delivered by the pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire, Can Do is a skills development and community involvement programme designed for 16-35 year olds with additional support needs. With both in-person and virtual formats, the participants took part in sessions on fundraising, mental health and wellbeing, designing posters and much more.

The project provided the students with an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community, improving their confidence and motivation, while also benefiting from the learning experience. In addition, the participants gained an SVQ Building Communities award through completion of their project.

In one session, the students learned about homelessness and discussed some essential items you might need for winter as a homeless person. Following this, they were tasked with some online shopping to create ‘care and share’ bags to donate. Each participant was given tasks, such as budgeting, comparing prices and spotting deals, before ordering and receiving the items, and packing the bags.

All of the care and share bags, as well as all proceeds from the campaign, were donated to Bethany Christian Trust, a charitable organisation in Scotland whose mission is to relieve suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland.

Jasmine Lapointe, Access and Continuing Education lecturer at Edinburgh College, applauded the students for choosing such a significant project which made a positive and tangible difference in people’s lives, and said they should all be proud for taking part. 

Leonard Cheshire Can Do Coordinator for Edinburgh Obert Dhundu said: “The students expressed a keen interest in embarking on a project that will be impactful not only for themselves but for vulnerable people in the community, and this led them to choose a project centred on homelessness.

“They showed great commitment in learning about homelessness, as well as the related topics we covered. It was a real privilege to have facilitated this project for them.”

On your marks. Get set. GLOW!

Edinburgh College creative students launch annual festival   

Edinburgh College’s creative students are ready to take over the city with a number of unique performances and exhibitions taking place at venues across the capital as part of the annual Glow Festival.

Glow, the culmination of a year’s hard work for the College’s Creative Industries students, will see students perform and exhibit at venues in Edinburgh throughout April, May and June. 

The festival will feature events covering the wide range of the College’s Creative Industries courses including: Performing Arts; Broadcast Media and Photography; Music and Sound Production; and Art and Design, with music concerts, theatre shows, exhibitions, film showings and more.

The ninth annual Glow festival, which sees a return to events happening in-person following two years of online performances and exhibitions, launched at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery last week (27 April) with performances from the College’s Musical Theatre students and Brass Ensemble.

Students will showcase their skills and talents across some of Edinburgh’s top venues including Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Festival Theatre, The Biscuit Factory, Bannerman’s, Assembly Roxy, Church Hill Theatre, Everyman Cinema, and the College’s campuses. 

The programme of events includes large-scale end-of-year shows including a musical theatre performance with a modern twist on the classic tale Cinderella, an exhibition of Theatre Costumes, a new play set around 1990s rave culture, the Performing Arts Studio Scotland Cross Currents dance event and an exhibition of make-up artistry.

Edinburgh College Assistant Principal Curriculum for Creative Industries Jakki Jeffery said: “After hosting virtual events for the past two years, we are absolutely delighted to be launching our return to an in-person Glow Festival for 2022.

“Our students have been hard at work over the last few months perfecting their work and performances and can’t wait to show off their talents at venues across the capital. 

“Glow gives our students the perfect opportunity to showcase their work in front of live audiences or at exhibitions in Edinburgh, giving them the experience that will help set them up for a successful career in the creative industries. We have some spectacular events planned this year, and look forward to seeing you all there!”

Find out more about all of the events taking place as part of Glow 2022.

Edinburgh College launches new Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre

Edinburgh College has officially opened a new Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre aimed at helping people save energy in their homes, thanks to funding from SP Energy Networks.

The new facility will see students, apprentices and industry professionals learn how to use cutting edge equipment and develop skills required to build low energy homes, and to modify existing homes to become more energy efficient.

The centre, housed at the College’s Granton Campus, was opened by Edinburgh College Vice Principal Jonny Pearson, alongside speakers including Jillian Violaris of SP Energy Networks and John Renwick of Energy Skills Partnership (ESP).

Equipment featured in the new centre includes: ground source heat pumps, air source pumps, solar thermal systems, rainwater and greywater harvesting, SIPS eco panels, underfloor heating systems, and latest gas appliance condensing boiler technology supplied by Worcester Bosch.

The focus for the centre is to train students and apprentices in these technologies, while also supporting those in industry to reskill and upskill, using high-class equipment under the guidance of Edinburgh College lecturing staff.

The centre has been funded by SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund and managed via the ESP.

ESP is a collaboration of Scotland’s colleges and industry partners established to increase Scotland’s capability and capacity to deliver the right skills for the energy, engineering and construction sectors.

ESP were awarded £500,000 in 2019 from the SP Energy Networks Green Economy Fund, which was established in 2018 by the electricity network operator for Central and Southern Scotland.

SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund supports the delivery of the Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to meet climate change targets, boost local economic growth, improve air quality across the country and deliver a better future, quicker for local communities.

In order to manage the project, ESP established the Energy Efficiency Training Network comprising of nine colleges to launch new training centres including across Scotland.

Edinburgh College Vice Principal, Jon Buglass, said: “It’s a privilege to open our new Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre at our Granton Campus.

“The centre will provide students, apprentices and those within the supply chain with access to a state-of-the-art place to learn new and existing technologies. It is incumbent on us as one of Scotland’s largest colleges to play our part in ensuring those in industry can embed these skills early in their careers, understand them and start to use them to build houses for the future – helping the nation to move towards net zero.

“Our thanks go to Scottish Power Energy Networks, Energy Skills Partnership, Worcester Bosch and other partners for the support in creating this new facility.”

Jillian Violaris, Green Economy Fund Manager at SP Energy Networks, said:“Edinburgh College’s new Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre will support the skills needed to help the country achieve net zero emissions.

“Rapid change will be needed across the nation in the coming years and the new training hub will support the development of the next generation of green experts that will deliver it.

“When establishing the Green Economy Fund, it was clear that delivering clean energy transition in our communities would require a future workforce with the right skills, that’s why education plays a vital role in the move to a low carbon economy.”

Jim Brown, Director at ESP, said: “The SP Energy Networks Green Economy Fund project has realised a massive impact for colleges across central and southern Scotland in developing the capability and capacity to deliver the future skills industry needed to support government’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2045.

“This flagship education project supported nine new centres with investment in capital equipment which positions colleges at the forefront of upskilling and training for industry.

“It has been a true partnership with government, industry and colleges working together to address the skills challenges in reducing carbon emissions, supporting green growth and the just transition to Net Zero. ESP is delighted to have facilitated this project alongside Edinburgh College.”

Edinburgh College students’ project to help the homeless

Students from Edinburgh College Midlothian Campus have marked the completion of their ground-breaking homelessness awareness project this month.

The students took part in Leonard Cheshire’s ‘Can Do’ programme, during which they decided to embark on a ‘building communities’ project to raise funds for, and awareness of, the needs of people in the community who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Delivered by the pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire, Can Do is a skills development and community involvement programme designed for 16-35 year olds with additional support needs.

With both in-person and virtual formats, the participants took part in sessions on fundraising, mental health and wellbeing, designing posters and much more. The project gave the students an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community, improving their confidence and motivation, while also providing a learning opportunity. Participants gained an SVQ Building Communities award through completion of their project.

In one session, the students learned about homelessness and discussed some essential items you might need for winter as a homeless person.

Following this, they were tasked with some online shopping to create ‘care and share’ bags to donate. Each participant was given tasks, such as budgeting, comparing prices and spotting deals, before ordering and receiving the items, and packing the bags.

These bags, as well as all proceeds from the campaign, were donated to Bethany Christian Trust, a charitable organisation in Scotland whose mission is to relieve suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland.

On receiving the items, Kevin, a staff member from Bethany Christian Trust, said: “I am grateful for the bags of love and kindness that have been donated by the students from Edinburgh College Midlothian campus.

“Bethany Christian Trust is full of gratitude for the commitment shown by the students in putting the bags together and the residents are absolutely going to love the items”.

The students also had an opportunity to learn first-hand about mental health and wellbeing. A local man who has lived experience of being homeless explained how he struggled with his mental health and discussed with the participants the support he received to recover from the challenges he faced. The students later sent wonderful messages of encouragement to him for his strength and ability to stay positive.

James, One of the Can Do participants, said: “What I liked most about the project was getting an opportunity to help and make someone smile”.

Jasmine Lapointe, Lecturer at Edinburgh College, applauded the students for choosing such a significant project which made a positive and tangible difference in people’s lives, and said they should all be proud for taking part. 

Obert Dhundu, Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do Coordinator for Edinburgh, said “The students expressed a keen interest in embarking on a project that will be impactful not only for themselves but for vulnerable people in the community, and this led them to choose a project centred on homelessness.

“They showed great commitment in learning about homelessness, as well as the related topics we covered. It was a real privilege to have facilitated this project for them.”