Tag: Edinburgh College

Edinburgh College appoints a new Board member

Edinburgh College’s Board of Management has appointed a new non-executive member to support it in leading the strategic direction of the College. As is required this appointment was confirmed following approval by Scottish Ministers (or the Scottish Government).

The new member, Janyce Holmes, has an extensive background as a director in the commercial sector and is a fellow of CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).

Janyce is a former Director of Marketing Operations at Diageo, and is experienced in matters of planning, strategy and commercial development. Between commercial director roles, Janyce has also worked as a visiting lecturer in tertiary education institutions.

The Interim Chair of Edinburgh College’s Board of Management Ann Landels said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Janyce to Edinburgh College. Janyce has a strong financial management background and a broad range of experience in the commercial sector.

“Janyce’s recent experience as a non-executive director and her background in the tertiary education sector will serve the College and the Board well as we aim to continue maximising experiences and opportunities for all of our students.”

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “I am pleased to welcome Janyce to the Board of Management at a time when our College is learning from the experience of educating during a global pandemic and is working to provide opportunities for more students, for more people in our communities, for local businesses and their employees.

“Janyce’s wealth of experience in both the commercial and education sectors will be a welcome addition to the range of knowledge and expertise already at the Board’s disposal.  I look forward to working with her.”

Find out more about the Edinburgh College Board of Management.

New Skills Boost course guarantees jobs in health care

A new course, which launched this week, will provide people in the region with a direct progression route into a health care support worker role.

The three-week Skills Boost for Health Care course, delivered in partnership by Edinburgh College and NHS Lothian, is designed to equip people with the skills they need to become a health care support worker within the NHS and aims to provide employment opportunities for people in the Lothians who may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All course participants have undergone a values-based interview process with the College and NHS and will study a three-week intensive course to prepare them for the workplace.

The course includes college-based and NHS-based learning and will take a multi-disciplinary, measured and meaningful approach to help launch participants into a career in health care.

Subjects will include: Professionalism, reflection, legislation; Infection Control; Health and Safety; First Aid; Basic Life Support (Adult); and Public Protection. Participants will also learn about the career pathways available to them within the NHS.

The first cohort of future health care support workers began the three-week course on Monday 19 April 2021 and upon successful completion and compulsory employment checks, will undertake their new roles from Monday 10 May 2021.

Edinburgh College Head of Health, Wellbeing and Social Science Anne-Marie Sturrock said: “We are excited to launch the Skills Boost for Health Care course in collaboration with NHS Lothian.

“The course not only gives students an opportunity to learn new and valuable skills, it also guarantees them a health care support role within the NHS – providing education and employment hand-in-hand.

“Supporting the NHS and addressing unemployment in the region are key drivers behind the development of this course and partnership delivery. I hope that this will be the first step in successful careers in healthcare for all of our participants.” 

NHS Lothian Executive Director for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals Alex McMahon said: “We are always very keen to encourage and support the development of new routes to bring prospective health care professionals into NHS Lothian and we are delighted to be working with Edinburgh College to deliver this particular course.

“NHS Lothian aims to support staff to provide high quality care that is safe, effective and person-centred for every person every time. We know that whatever the future holds, our most valuable resource is our staff. It’s their enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment to care that ensures we deliver that high-quality care.”

Edinburgh College lecturers to strike this week

Edinburgh College lecturers are scheduled for further industrial action this week, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st April in defence of the Further Education sector and the professional status of qualified lecturers. This follows previous strongly supported strike action taken prior to the Easter holidays.

Colleges Scotland’s refusal to ratify their own agreed definition of the lecturer’s role, a definition the union accepts, has so far prevented a settlement. Their refusal threatens to undermine the delivery of quality education to Edinburgh College students, many of whom have over the years seen unqualified staff on poorer pay, terms and conditions deliver qualifications up to HN level.

EIS FELA members will this week also be balloted on Action Short of Strike Action. This constitutes an escalation of the dispute incorporating a withdrawal of good will. 

Edinburgh College Branch Secretary Penny Gower described what is at stake: ‘Our members are losing money by striking, but this action is not for personal gain. It is to make sure our students get the quality of education they deserve.

“All we ask is that the employers ratify their own proposals which we have already accepted. If they care about students they should do that immediately.”

EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said, “Our members are continuing to stand firm against the practice of replacing lecturers with less qualified, lower paid staff. Colleges claim that there is no plan to do this, yet they continue to refuse to ratify an agreement that would halt this practice.

“If colleges are not seeking to replace lecturers with lower qualified staff, why are they so reluctant to ratify the agreement – incorporating their own proposals – that would stop it from happening?”

A spokesperson for the Colleges Scotland Employers’ Association, said: “Colleges will do everything they can to ensure that students are supported during this difficult time, and that any disruption is minimised.

“The EIS-FELA has refused repeated requests to suspend the strikes while meaningful discussions carry on – national industrial action is wholly unnecessary.” 

Let’s Do This! Prince’s Trust Development Award course starts at Edinburgh College next week

The Prince’s Trust Personal Development Award is a unique course that allows students to gain new skills, meet new people and achieve qualifications.

It lasts for 12 weeks and the next course starts on 19 April.

What you will learn:

  • Develop CV and interview skills
  • Gain personal development qualifications
  • Money Management
  • Work Experience
  • Career Planning
  • Presentation Skills
  • Teamwork

Find out more here:

https://edinburghcollege.ac.uk/courses/Access-and-Continuing-Education/Prince%27s%20Trust%20Personal%20Development%20Award/HW1PTPDG20

Edinburgh College student named runner-up in Scottish Nature Photography competition

An Edinburgh College student was named runner-up in a national photography competition for a selection of images he created as part of his degree programme.

BA Professional Photography student Stephen Rodger took second spot in the student category at the Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2020 for his portfolio titled Swan Lake on Fire, which depicts a number of swans swimming on a lake in the early morning sun.

The Scottish Nature Photography Awards was launched in 2010 to provide a platform to celebrate Scotland as a key destination for nature photographers and to acknowledge the excellence of the photographic work that is undertaken here.

The annual competition invites entries of images taken in Scotland by professional or amateur photographers from around the world.

Stephen said: “It was tremendously exciting to be told I’d been awarded second place in the Student category this year. I’m now in the final year of my BA Professional Photography course at Edinburgh College.

“As I write this, none of my class have yet stepped onto campus and so being awarded this prize is especially valuable for one’s spirits in times such as these.

“All three pictures were shot in April last year. As the seasons change, you can on occasion get these incredible mornings where the mist rises from the loch and is spectacularly backlit by the very first rays of the sun.

“This mute swan was out for the first leisurely paddle of the day. The light was incredible, but fleeting, lasting not much more than half an hour.”

Edinburgh College curriculum manager for Performing Arts and Photography Ethelinda-Lashley Scott said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Stephen on gaining this recognition from the Scottish Nature Photography Awards for his Swan Lake on Fire portfolio. 

“We are very proud of all the hard work and dedication that Stephen has demonstrated throughout his studies. Our photography department has a strong record of award success which is a testament to the breadth of talent studying here, as well as the hard work and dedication of our lecturing staff.” 

Amy competes to be Scottish Chefs Young Chef of the Year

Edinburgh College Professional Cookery student Amy French is among eight competitors vying to be named Scottish Chefs Young Chef of the Year – with a cook-off taking place later this month.

Amy, who currently studies SVQ Level 6 Professional Cookery, was named as a finalist after impressing judges with a menu she created which incorporates skills and dishes learned during her College studies.

Amy, who is 19-years-old, will compete in a two-and-half hour event where she will deliver four servings of her three-course menu, in competition with seven other junior chefs from across Scotland.

The competition is scheduled to take place at West Lothian College on Tuesday 27 April – with government health and safety guidelines in place.

The winner will receive £250, a set of knives, work experience at a prestigious UK Michelin restaurant, two days butchery training and the Young Scottish Chef of the Year trophy, certificate and medal. Runners up will also receive cash prizes and a signed book from Michelin-starred chef, Tom Kitchin.

Amy’s menu comprises a salmon ceviche starter; a main course of a rack of lamb French trimmed by Amy and served with a pea custard, pea puree, pommes anna and a red wine jus; and a compressed choux pastry dessert with chocolate orange ganache.

Amy said: “I’m really excited to have been chosen to compete for Young Chef of the Year. I didn’t expect to be selected but now I am, I’m looking forward to the event.

“I’ve seen fellow students excel at competitions in the past and that spurred me on to take part myself to put my skills to the test but also to help me grow as a chef.

“There are some elements of my menu which I hadn’t done before, but I had been inspired by MasterChef and wanted to try new things and add them to my menu – the ceviche in particular was something I wanted to incorporate.

“I’m a little bit nervous but I have been practicing at home and working on things all the time – to make it the best it can be ahead of the big day.”

Edinburgh College Professional Cookery lecturer Keri Dewar said: “We’re delighted Amy has been selected as a finalist in this year’s Young Chef of the Year competition – we know Amy will do Edinburgh College proud.

“Amy is a very talented young chef who works hard and is eager to learn and develop all the time – that will stand her in good stead for the competition and also her career in Cookery and Hospitality. We all wish Amy the best of luck in the competition and can’t wait to see her in action.”

Edinburgh College helps hospitality get back into business with funded training

Edinburgh College is providing industry specific training to help hospitality and tourism businesses hit the ground running when the sector is allowed to reopen.

The training which allows SMEs up to £5,000 free training provided through the Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF), is available straight away to help people upskill, reskill and give confidence to those who have been unable to work due to the pandemic.

Hospitality businesses are encouraged to attend a virtual information event hosted on Zoom on Wednesday 24 March, to find out more about Edinburgh College, the FWDF, and how the College’s Training and Development team can liaise with them to design and deliver bespoke training packages with courses to suit all employer and employee needs.

Courses range from REHIS Food Hygiene and Allergy Awareness through to Customer Service and Communication Skills, and Mental Health.

Businesses which pay the Scottish Government apprenticeship levy can apply for up to £15,000 worth of training, while SMEs can apply for up £5,000 of training without any contribution.

Edinburgh College Commercial Development Manager Liam Conway said: “We are excited to be hosting this information event for Hospitality businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“It is our hope that Hospitality businesses will be able to welcome visitors and guests back into their premises soon. In the build up to that becoming the case, Edinburgh College is ready to deliver training to Hospitality employees in time for their reopening – allowing firms to ensure employees’ continuing professional development and retraining is in place ahead of customers’ return.”

The virtual information event is taking place on Wednesday 24 March from 12 – 12.30pm.

To register for the event, please visit: Hospitality and Tourism Funded Training Event Tickets, Wed 24 Mar 2021 at 12:00 | Eventbrite

Edinburgh College Class of 2020 celebrates with a Virtual Graduation ceremony

Edinburgh College’s Class of 2020 celebrated the enormous achievement of graduating from their courses with a virtual ceremony held last week, Friday 5 March.

Over 600 graduates from across the College’s Creative Industries, Engineering and Built Environment, Health Wellbeing and Social Science and Tourism, Hospitality and Business faculties joined virtual ceremonies hosted on YouTube.

The Class of 2020 were due to cross the stage at the city’s McEwan Hall last September, however the event had to be moved online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Nonetheless, graduates celebrated in style and watched their ceremonies from their homes – taking in speeches from Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford, Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP, and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Frank Ross, as well as seeing and hearing lots of excited and emotional well wishes from their lecturers.

Graduates and staff shared photos of their individual celebrations across social media, showing off their gowns, mortarboards and certificates while enjoying their moment with their loved ones.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Firstly, a huge congratulations to our Class of 2020. This day may have felt like a long time coming but each graduate has made it and, for that, they should be extremely proud of themselves.

“To graduate from any course in any year is no mean feat, but in the times in which we have been living, the achievements of our Class of 2020 are nothing short of extraordinary – my hat goes off to them.

“I would like to thank every graduate for their commitment to their studies and their determination to keep going, and for working hard with our dedicated lecturing and support teams to successfully achieve their awards.

“We’re very proud of all our graduates and wish them every success in their future – whether they go on to further study or straight into the world of work, we look forward to hearing about their achievements yet to come.”

Edinburgh College to host Virtual Open Days

Edinburgh College is hosting Virtual Open Days this week, allowing people thinking of studying in 2021/22 to find out everything there is to know about starting college.

The virtual events – taking place from 10am until 12pm on Friday 19 February and from 10am until 2pm on Saturday 20 February – will give those in attendance the chance to speak to teaching staff about the courses on offer and discover the best study options available to them.

During both Virtual Open Days, prospective students will have the opportunity to: watch videos on application information including funding and student support; speak to college staff via a dedicated Virtual Open Day contact line (0131 297 8300); attend live question and answer sessions with course teams; and watch video presentations showcasing all Edinburgh College subject areas.

Course areas include: Art and Design, Computing and Digital Skills, Performing Arts, Engineering and Built Environment, Childcare, Health Professions, Business and Legal, and much more.

To attend the live question and answer sessions, attendees must register using an online form on the Edinburgh College website: www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/virtual-open-days. These sessions will be hosted on Microsoft Teams; however an account is not required to join.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford (above) said: “We’re looking forward to hosting our first ever Virtual Open Days and meeting lots of prospective new students online ahead of the 2021/22 session.

“The past year has been a challenging time for us all, but Edinburgh College stands ready to continue educating and training the workforce of the future.

“Our College is in prime position to support people who may now require to boost their existing skillset in a digital environment, for instance, or to retrain in a new area. Similarly, we’re here to support those embarking on the first steps in their career journey.

“We have more than 700 courses delivered through a mixture of online and on-campus learning, with expert lecturers and support staff across the piece to guide our students on their way achieving their career goals.”

For more information, visit: www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/virtual-open-days

Edinburgh College shortlisted for China-Scotland Business Awards

Edinburgh College’s International team has been named as a finalist at the China-Scotland Business Awards for the second year running.

The team has been shortlisted in the Educational Partnership of the Year category for its work in developing a new five-year English for Business programme with Hainan University’s College of Foreign Studies.

The English for Business course is designed to provide Hainan University students with greater fluency and confidence in English for business settings and will include preparation for Cambridge English qualifications in Business English. The course will be embedded into Hainan University’s four-year undergraduate programme, giving enhanced career opportunities for students upon graduation.

The first part of the programme was due to be delivered in Hainan, however Covid-19 prevented this from happening. Instead, the College utilised an interactive online delivery model and will continue to combine this teaching method with face-to-face teaching throughout the duration of the five-year programme.

This partnership is designed to be sustainable, with the course running over five years. It is anticipated that new cohorts of students will begin the programme each year, which will benefit a greater number of students and provide them with an international education experience without leaving home.
 
The China-Scotland Business Awards, now in their fourth year, recognise and celebrate achievements in trade and investment between Scotland and China.

International Business Manager Sarah Gore said: “We are very proud to be nominated for this award. Our Edinburgh College staff and Hainan University colleagues have put a lot of work into developing and delivering this programme and partnership, and it is heartening to see this recognised within the China Scotland Business community. 

“We look forward to working with our dedicated Hainan students and colleagues for many years to come, and continuing to build on our strong and supportive partnership.”

The awards will be held virtually on Thursday (4 February).