Official Opening Truly Inspiring “ LEARNING “ Also in This Issue

RAISING ASPIRATIONS INSPIRING ACHIEVEMENT INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES

The magazine of Ayrshire College • Winter 2017 Issue www.ayrshire.ac.uk

NEW Kilmarnock Campus

Official Opening truly inspiring “ LEARNING “ also in this issue...

DEVELOPING THE PEOPLE • COMMUNITY • MYSELF • THE ENVIRONMENT CELEBRATING success... young workforce... NewNew campuscampus 4.4. KilmarnockKilmarnock CampusCampus OfficialOfficial OpeningOpening 6.6. FirstFirst DayDay atat thethe NewNew KilmarnockKilmarnock CampusCampus 7.7. AA CampusCampus forfor thethe CommunityCommunity 10.10. CharacterCharacter JoineryJoinery 12.12. TimeTime CapsuleCapsule BuriedBuried accessaccess andand inclusioninclusion 14.14. WellbeingWellbeing AdvisorAdvisor PositionPosition CreatedCreated 14.14. InclusiveInclusive LearningLearning 14.14. SupportedSupported LearningLearning 15.15. FocusFocus onon thethe HiveHive 18.18. EqualityEquality andand DiversityDiversity 19.19. MyMy MentalMental HealthHealth MattersMatters MonthMonth 20.20. ProjectProject SEARCHSEARCH isis RecruitingRecruiting 21.21. StudentStudent SafetySafety WeekWeek 21.21. VictimVictim ImpactImpact BoxesBoxes 21.21. AyrshireAyrshire CollegeCollege PraisedPraised forfor Celebrating success OpenOpen UniversityUniversity PartnershipPartnership 32. Graduation 34. Award News DevelopingDeveloping Ayrshire’sAyrshire’s youngyoung workforceworkforce 36. Celebration of Success 22.22. School-CollegeSchool-College CoursesCourses 38. Medal Wins for Para-Athletes 23.23. FoundationFoundation ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships 24.24. FoundationFoundation ApprenticesApprentices visitvisit College news EngineeringEngineering LeadersLeaders 39. Three Sisters Take Motor Vehicle Route 25.25. AyrshireAyrshire CollegeCollege ApprenticesApprentices 40. 26.26. Kilmarnock Talks InternsInterns JoinJoin CollegeCollege TeamTeam 41. Students Debate Media 28.28. StudentsStudents BecomeBecome STEMSTEM AmbassadorsAmbassadors Representation of Females 28.28. PartneringPartnering withwith PrestwickPrestwick AirportAirport 41. Students Cook at Parliament MaintenanceMaintenance Ltd.Ltd. 42. Meet Our New Board Members 29.29. PartneringPartnering withwith ShortermShorterm 43. Chairman Gets On Board Food Train 29.29. AyrshireAyrshire ConnectsConnects 30.30. RespectRespect FOR MORE AYRSHIRE COLLEGE NEWS VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

2 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 3 NewNew campuscampus 4.4. KilmarnockKilmarnock CampusCampus OfficialOfficial OpeningOpening 6.6. FirstFirst DayDay atat thethe NewNew KilmarnockKilmarnock CampusCampus 7.7. AA CampusCampus forfor thethe CommunityCommunity 10.10. CharacterCharacter JoineryJoinery 12.12. TimeTime CapsuleCapsule BuriedBuried accessaccess andand inclusioninclusion 14.14. WellbeingWellbeing AdvisorAdvisor PositionPosition CreatedCreated 14.14. InclusiveInclusive LearningLearning 14.14. SupportedSupported LearningLearning 15.15. FocusFocus onon thethe HiveHive 18.18. EqualityEquality andand DiversityDiversity 19.19. MyMy MentalMental HealthHealth MattersMatters MonthMonth 20.20. ProjectProject SEARCHSEARCH isis RecruitingRecruiting 21.21. StudentStudent SafetySafety WeekWeek 21.21. VictimVictim ImpactImpact BoxesBoxes 21.21. AyrshireAyrshire CollegeCollege PraisedPraised forfor Celebrating success OpenOpen UniversityUniversity PartnershipPartnership 32. Graduation 34. Award News DevelopingDeveloping Ayrshire’sAyrshire’s youngyoung workforceworkforce 36. Celebration of Success 22.22. School-CollegeSchool-College CoursesCourses 38. Medal Wins for Para-Athletes 23.23. FoundationFoundation ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships 24.24. FoundationFoundation ApprenticesApprentices visitvisit College news EngineeringEngineering LeadersLeaders 39. Three Sisters Take Motor Vehicle Route 25.25. AyrshireAyrshire CollegeCollege ApprenticesApprentices 40. 26.26. Kilmarnock Talks InternsInterns JoinJoin CollegeCollege TeamTeam 41. Students Debate Media 28.28. StudentsStudents BecomeBecome STEMSTEM AmbassadorsAmbassadors Representation of Females 28.28. PartneringPartnering withwith PrestwickPrestwick AirportAirport 41. Students Cook at Parliament MaintenanceMaintenance Ltd.Ltd. 42. Meet Our New Board Members 29.29. PartneringPartnering withwith ShortermShorterm 43. Chairman Gets On Board Food Train 29.29. AyrshireAyrshire ConnectsConnects 30.30. RespectRespect FOR MORE AYRSHIRE COLLEGE NEWS VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

2 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 3 New Campus New Campus NEW Kilmarnock Campus Official Opening

OUR NEW KILMARNOCK The First Minister said “Colleges CAMPUS ON HILL STREET are vital to our economic growth Students are OPENED TO STUDENTS ON and success. Our nationwide 24 OCTOBER 2016, AND WAS investment in colleges in support clearly thriving in this OFFICIALLY OPENED BY FIRST of the major reform programme, “ MINISTER NICOLA STURGEON coupled with our Modern brand new campus, MSP ON 12 DECEMBER 2016. Apprenticeship Programme, is and they will soon helping to reduce unemployment The First Minister was shown among young people, and at this form part of a highly around the four-storey campus by critical point in their lives, giving College Principal, Heather Dunk, them meaningful aspirations for skilled workforce and Chairman, Willie Mackie. their futures. that is tailored for the She was impressed with what “I met with students and Modern regional economy. she saw on her first visit to the Apprentices who have been in the ” campus. campus since October, and their FIRST MINISTER enthusiasm for their chosen field NICOLA STURGEON MSP The £53m campus provides an is palpable. innovative learning environment for our students, with brand “This demonstrates how a new equipment throughout the modern, fit-for-purpose campus building. and its facilities can truly inspire learning.”

Nicola Sturgeon MSP receiving a gift from engineering apprentice , Tracy Govan

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Nicola Sturgeon MSP receiving a gift from engineering apprentice , Tracy Govan

4 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 5 New Campus New Campus FIRST DAY AT THE NEW KILMARNOCK CAMPUS

OUR STUDENTS STEPPED Steven said “It actually feels THROUGH THE DOORS OF THE quite overwhelming to be the NEW KILMARNOCK CAMPUS first student here, as the build-up ON HILL STREET FOR THE towards the new campus opening FIRST TIME ON MONDAY 24 has been big. The minute you OCTOBER 2016. walk through those doors - you take a gasp. They’ve done so well The very first student to enter with it.” the College building was Motor Vehicle student, Steven Muir. Here is a short film we created to commemorate the historic day.

WE SEE THE NEW Our vision for the new building A CAMPUS KILMARNOCK is to enhance students’ CAMPUS PROVIDING A learning experiences, and FOR THE TREMENDOUS BOOST provide a space that the whole TO THE ENTIRE EAST community can make use of community AYRSHIRE COMMUNITY. and be proud of.

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Salt and Barrel is our stylish You. is our Hair and Beauty salon new training restaurant located on the ground floor. located on the ground floor. Clients can choose from a The restaurant is open to the range of beauty, make-up, nail public for lunch Monday to and hair treatments, as well as Friday from October to June. complementary therapies. Food is prepared and served by Hospitality students You. is operated by fully at the College at very qualified staff. Students are competitive prices. given the opportunity to participate in work placements Book a table now by to gain industry experience. emailing the team at [email protected] Arrange an appointment now by emailing the team at [email protected]

Centre of Sporting Excellence

Members of the public can take advantage of a number of facilities in our Centre of Sporting Excellence. The Still Room is our café located at the rear entrance Students and staff can join in with of the building. fitness classes held in our dance studio or join our gym The café is operated by the for £10 a month. College’s catering staff and can be enjoyed by staff, We also have a 3G synthetic pitch students and visitors. that is available to hire for training sessions or recreational purposes. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are served here as an To book any of these activities, alternative to the Refectory. please email [email protected] 8 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 9 New Campus New Campus

Centre of Sporting Excellence

“Cumnock Academy students finished product. I think all won the competition. We had involved in the student pods when you think of CHARACTER JOINERY a look at the winning designs, should be very proud of their then the students had a day achievements, as a really exciting all the greats from visit to our design office and design and build has been “ workshops, where our joiners created. Kilmarnock and the were building items for the College. After a brief chat talking “The students now have a surrounding areas to the students about how design great interior to feel inspired it’s exciting to think evolves from initial concept to and motivated at the College. final manufacturing drawings, we Overall, when you think of all the that someone could began building. greats from Kilmarnock and the be starting their own surrounding areas - Alexander “The seating pods can be seen on Fleming, Hugh McIlvanney, journey right now in the third floor bridge, and there is Sir Tom Hunter, not forgetting also one at the Student Services Johnnie Walker - it’s exciting to the building. desk on the ground floor. think that someone could be ” starting their own journey right KELVIN MURRAY “It was really exciting to see now in the DIRECTOR AT CHARACTER JOINERY the reaction of the competition building.“ winners when they saw the

As well as being a campus built FOR the local community, large parts of our new Kilmarnock Campus have been built BY the local community.

The team at Kilmarnock’s Kelvin Murray, Director at Kelvin said “Being involved in Character Joinery was responsible Character Joinery, told us about the new campus at Hill Street for the bespoke joinery aspects of his company’s involvement with was very exciting for us as a local the campus - which included all of our new Kilmarnock Campus. company. We had the privilege the booth seating in Salt & Barrel of being involved in the bespoke and the Refectory. joinery aspect of the build.

The teaching walls and the It was great to “It was great for myself and the Seating Pods Salt and Barrel reception desks in the main see the building rise team to see the building rise atrium and library were also “ from the ashes through to the manufactured by the Kilmarnock from the ashes tHrough official opening by Scotland’s First company. Minister. to the official opening The most talked-about project by Scotland’s “We were also asked if we could that the team worked on is the get involved in a secondary school unique seating pods on the third First Minister. competition - in partnership with level of the campus - which were architects Keppie Design - where KELVIN MURRAY ” designed by Cumnock Academy DIRECTOR AT students designed seating pods students. CHARACTER JOINERY to be used by Ayrshire College students. Teaching Wall Refectory

10 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 11 New Campus New Campus

As well as being a campus built FOR the local community, large parts of our new Kilmarnock Campus have been built BY the local community.

10 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 11 New Campus New Campus TIME CAPSULE BURIED “Creating a lasting legacy for future generations of students...” AT NEW CAMPUS

IN OCTOBER 2016 WE BURIED The book reflects fashion trends, The time capsule will A TIME CAPSULE OUTSIDE popular films, music artists and preserve important THE ENTRANCE OF OUR books, and celebrities of the era “ NEW CAMPUS FOR FUTURE prior to the opening of the new memories spanning the GENERATIONS TO DISCOVER. campus. Also included in the time period that the book are interviews describing The time capsule was filled with what it was like to be a student Kilmarnock Campus items provided by college staff in 2015-16. was built. Our students and students as well as members of the local community. Old prospectuses and were keen to give future Kilmarnock Standard generations an insight into Included in the time capsule newspapers were amongst the is a commemorative book items placed in the time capsule, what life as a student was called ‘A Look Back at 2015’, as was a price list for everyday like in 2015/16. a collaborative publication student essentials. That will ” between the College’s be sure to provide interesting HEATHER DUNK, Marketing Team and Social comparisons whenever the time PRINCIPAL Science students. capsule is ultimately discovered!

12 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 13 New Campus New Campus TIME CAPSULE BURIED “Creating a lasting legacy for future generations of students...” AT NEW CAMPUS

12 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 13 Access and Inclusion Access and Inclusion NEW MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING ADVISOR POSITION CREATED A LOOK AT THE

We are delighted to announce an exciting new We have over 13,000 students studying at our main position that we are establishing in partnership campuses in Ayr, Kilmarnock and Kilwinning, as well with the three Health and Social Care our satellite sites, The Skills Centre of Excellence in Partnerships in Ayrshire. Irvine and Nethermains in Kilwinning.

A new Student Wellbeing Advisor will join the Improving the health and life chances of students College to provide mental health support across all and staff is a key priority for us, and the Mental of our campuses, and improve the knowledge of Health and Wellbeing Advisor will support this mental health issues amongst staff and students. objective. HIVE Hope, Inclusive Learning Supported learning Inspiration Students on our Connect to Enterprise course helped to create a safe and secure environment for hedgehogs. and Vision Supported Learning students from our Ayr Campus learned about environmental issues on their course and realised that hedgehogs are at their most in Education vulnerable in the coldest months.

They built two hedgehog houses in the woodland The HIVE (Hope, Inspiration and Vision area outside their campus. in Education) is a bespoke learning space which focuses on preparing young people This project inspired the students to raise money for a local hedgehog charity. In keeping with the theme for their next steps. of saving the environment, the class recycled old books to make book hedgehogs. Courses on offer within the HIVE help develop students’ skills in areas like: team working, A total of 40 book hedgehogs were made and sold If a student on any course feels they need enterprise, leadership, employability and by Supported Learning students and staff, and additional support, they can contact our Inclusive customer care. Students are often involved in £87.00 was raised for the local hedgehog charity. Learning Team. community projects. Help is available for the following: Our Supported Learning courses are suitable for The HIVE is a unique facility and places an students who require additional support. • Specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia, The courses aim to develop essential skills, emphasis on student-led learning. Students learn dyspraxia) motivation and self-confidence in an innovative and through bespoke, personalised units covering • Visual impairment engaging way. everything from social media, sports, music, and digital media which help them to build the • Hearing impairment We are committed to ensuring all of our students are necessary skills to progress with their education. • Physical disability able to achieve their learning goals. • Medical conditions (e.g. cancer, ME, arthritis) Click here to take • Unseen disability (e.g. Asperger’s syndrome, epilepsy) an in-depth look • Mental health issues (e.g. depression,anxiety) into our HIVE courses • Social, emotional and behavioural difficulty (e.g. ADHD)

Any conditions not listed or anything that may impact on learning and participation can also be assessed for support.

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Any conditions not listed or anything that may impact on learning and participation can also be assessed for support.

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A LOOK AT THE Team members on the latest programme went to Galloway Activity Centre in New Galloway for their week-long trip.

The community project involved working on an area at the rear of the Masonic Hall in Coylton to create a safe area for the HIVE community nursery children to play in. Hope, Work placements took place at:

Inspiration • Ayr Central and Vision • Busy Bees Nursery, Ayr in Education • Cancer Research, Ayr • Dean Park Stables, Kilmarnock • Dino’s Chip Shop, Ayr STUDENTS ON THE PRINCE’S TRUST PROGRAMME ARE BASED AT THE HIVE FOR • East Ayrshire Churches MOST OF THEIR 12 WEEK COURSE. Homelessness The students also go on work experience, Action, Kilmarnock a residential trip and work on a community project together. • Hurlford United • Keystore, Muirkirk • Ringford Vehicle Services, Castle Douglas • Shuttle Buses, Dalry • Spar, Dundonald

The groups concluded their course with a final team presentation at the Greenwood Conference Centre in Dreghorn.

Prince’s Trust presentations are always lively events and this one was no different. Students put on a Scrooge performance, designing their own costumes and writing scripts.

16 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 17 Access and Inclusion Access and Inclusion

A LOOK AT THE Team members on the latest programme went to Galloway Activity Centre in New Galloway for their week-long trip.

The groups concluded their course with a final team presentation at the Greenwood Conference Centre in Dreghorn.

Prince’s Trust presentations are always lively events and this one was no different. Students put on a Scrooge performance, designing their own costumes and writing scripts.

16 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 17 Access and Inclusion Access and Inclusion EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

10 September (World Suicide We pride ourselves on being Prevention Day) to 10 October an inclusive, supportive and #16daysAyrshire (World Mental Health Day), was accessible college, and our #mymentalhealthmatters month. Equality and Inclusion Team has The College published a The College raised awareness of been as busy as ever. series of blog posts to mental health and wellbeing in a mark the 16 Days of Action range of ways. The team supports the – an international call of Staff and students at the College development of our diverse action to end violence wrote personal and information college community by working against women and girls. stories for our blog. with students, staff and external partners to embed the value and Below are excerpts from their practice of equality and diversity blog posts. Click the buttons within everyday college life and below to read more. Steven Fegan, Cara Durnie, beyond. Learner Engagement Officer Addictions Liaison Officer Let’s talk about TRANS Here are some of the projects the “I think it’s important to focus on “The world of drugs can be one team has been working on, led by Equality and Inclusion Advisor, something that could help people of mistrust. Having to encounter Sara Turkington. have a better understanding of dealers and owing money can be mental health, and offer a little hope. uneasy for some people. There might be paranoia and worry over “First, everyone has a mental health. being caught by the police too, and Like our physical health sometimes what if your career depends on we have poor mental health; in The Ayrshire LGBT+ Olivia Khan, a clean criminal record? Often it Development Group fact 1 in 4 people every year will be held a series of Business student and Care Experienced also affects people’s relationships conversation cafés at Officer, Ayrshire College Student diagnosed with a mental health – people aren’t as reliable as they our Ayr, Kilmarnock and Association condition. Kilwinning campuses to once were or maybe there are other mark Transgender Day of Remembrance 2016. “My mother’s poor mental health “I have been that 1 in 4, and not a changes in their personality. makes me question my own million years ago. At one time, I had “Taking all this into account, you frequently. I worry that when I have been an inpatient within the mental children I will not be able to cope can understand why there is such a The Ayrshire College Student Association health wards of Crosshouse Hospital.” strong link between mental health organised a ‘Reclaim the Night’ march in and will end up going down a similar, Kilmarnock in order to raise awareness of destructive path. I continue to work and substance use. Therefore, it’s the dangers to women and girls from sexual a good idea that we all have healthy violence or harassment. through these insecurities with the help of my foster and blood-related ways to cope with whatever is going family.” on in our lives.”

18 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 19 Access and Inclusion Access and Inclusion EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

18 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 19 Access and Inclusion Access and Inclusion AYRSHIRE COLLEGE Project SEARCH is recruiting… PRAISED FOR OPEN UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

Scotland’s Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science paid a special visit to our Kilmarnock Campus in January 2017. Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP learned about our participation in an innovative partnership with The Open University. The collaboration allows students STUDENT SAFETY WEEK who have achieved a Higher National Diploma (HND) at the Ayrshire College Student Safety We would like to thank East College to go on to complete a Week took place between 12 Ayrshire Women’s Aid, NHS degree in Social Sciences with December and 16 December. Scotland, Police Scotland, Scottish The Open University at our Fire and Rescue Service, Victim Kilmarnock Campus. The safety event was aimed at Support and the three local providing students and staff with up She met students and authorities’ Health and Social representatives from The Open to date and relevant information on a Care Partnership and Road Safety wide range of subjects in order to keep University and the College to Departments for making this event understand how this creative them safe. A number of workshops such a success. were held across the week. approach works, and left impressed with what she heard. The Minister said: “It is fair to say that the Open University has revolutionised the higher VICTIM IMPACT BOXES education sector in terms of accessibility and flexibility for the modern day student. WE ARE PROUD TO BE THE FIRST “The Victim Impact Box was It continues to lead the way Project SEARCH is an exciting 17-24 year olds in East Ayrshire COLLEGE IN SCOTLAND TO USE developed to aid the investigation with partnerships like this one project giving young people build skills for employment. with learning disabilities and/or ACTION AGAINST STALKING’S and prosecution of stalking cases, with Ayrshire College, making ‘VICTIM IMPACT BOX’ TO AID AND provide the necessary information to Higher Education accessible those on the autistic spectrum Through a combination of SUPPORT VICTIMS OF STALKING. victims about stalking, what stalking is at the heart of the community, the opportunity of hands-on classroom sessions and hands-on experience in the workplace. and how to recognise its behaviours. in a college setting. This work placements at University Ann Moulds, founder and chief “It provides a step by step approach Government is firmly committed Hospital Crosshouse, the project It was first launched at University executive of Action Against Stalking, to reporting to the police, logging to widening access and learning will prepare students to find a job. Hospital Crosshouse on Tuesday launched the resource at a College incidents, gathering evidence, opportunities for all, and it is 17 December 2013. We are The latest Development Network event on 25 and keeping safe through the partnerships like this, that are During their placement, the now into the fifth year of the collaboration between November 2016 with support from development of a safety action plan. making it a reality.” interns are supported by tutors programme and our new interns “ our Equality and Inclusion Team. This will provide crucial information from the College and a Job Coach ourselves, NHS started the programme on to the impact and disruption on the from East Ayrshire Council. Monday 28th August 2016. Ayrshire & Arran and Ann explained what the Victim victim’s life. This information will be Impact Box is on our blog useful during the precognition stage To apply for the next intake, East Ayrshire Council Project SEARCH, which originated of the court process and also when application forms are available from in Cincinnati seventeen years ago, will help 17-24 year the case goes to court. Project SEARCH on 01563 826245 involves a partnership between a olds in East Ayrshire or by emailing “The Victim Impact Box, provides host business, education services [email protected] or build skills for further guidance on the importance and adult supported employment. [email protected]. of building the right type of support The latest collaboration between employment. network and has been designed in ourselves, NHS Ayrshire & Arran ” such a way it forms the template and East Ayrshire Council will help for the drafting of a victim impact Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP statement.” with Principal, Heather Dunk

20 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 21 Access and Inclusion Access and Inclusion AYRSHIRE COLLEGE Project SEARCH is recruiting… PRAISED FOR OPEN UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

20 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 21 Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce school-college COURSES

FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS

FRASER WALLACE I am very excited to get PUPILS AT LOUDOUN ACADEMY ARE to work with a company who BENEFITING FROM A REAL-LIFE LEARNING FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS WERE “ CAFÉ ON SCHOOL PREMISES – HELPING INTRODUCED BY THE COLLEGE THIS YEAR will get to meet me, and PREPARE THEM FOR THE WORLD OF WORK IN FOR S5 PUPILS. THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. know my name, before I have They are two-year courses for S5-S6 pupils that The Loudoun Academy Hospitality Suite is a combine one year of theory-based learning with a even applied for a job. collaboration between the College, East Ayrshire further year focused on work experience within a ” Council, Loudoun Academy and Buzzworks Holdings company. to help young people learn skills needed in the workplace by prospective employers. Fraser Wallace, a fifth year pupil at Greenwood Academy, spoke to us about how his Foundation Pupils on the school-college course in Professional Apprenticeship in Engineering is going. Cookery are learning how to become baristas, and how to prepare and serve food - as they work He said “Doing the course works wells with me towards an NC qualification. being at school. I don’t have to keep my options Pupils select a school-college course during their to just my Highers, I can do a college course at the option choices and study it as part of their school same time. It also means I can reduce the amount timetable. of time it will take me to get the job I want.

School-college courses are part of the Developing “Engineering is a massive sector and has something the Young Workforce initiative to reduce youth for everyone. There will always be a need and unemployment. Pupils are able to experience demand for engineers, which is appealing. I prefer college life along with work-relevant educational to learn by being in the workshop and practising experiences, to enable them to make informed and what we are learning. I am very excited to get to ambitious choices about jobs and careers. work with a company who will get to meet me, and know my name, before I have even applied for a Read more about job.” School-College courses on our blog... Read more about Fraser’s story on our blog...

22 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 23 Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce school-college COURSES

FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS

22 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 23 Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce AYRSHIRE COLLEGE APPRENTICES

SINCE OUR LAST ISSUE, WE HAVE HIRED OUR VERY OWN MODERN APPRENTICES TO JOIN OUR MARKETING AND ICT TEAMS.

Catriona Cook is 22 years old and joins as a Digital Marketing apprentice, a post funded by the Ayrshire College Foundation. Former student Declan Mitchell, also 22, joins as an ICT apprentice.

A big part of Catriona’s remit is to develop the online presence of the Ayrshire College FOUNDATIONFOUNDATION APPRENTICESAPPRENTICES Foundation, which provides financial support for projects and activities carried out and supported by the College.

VISITVISIT ENGINEERINGENGINEERING LEADERSLEADERS Declan joined at a very busy time with staff and students moving to the new Kilmarnock Campus. OUR FOUNDATION APPRENTICES WERE GIVEN We will catch up with both apprentices on our A TREMENDOUS INSIGHT INTO WORKING AS blog when they reach the halfway mark of their AN ENGINEER THANKS TO TRIPS ORGANISED two-year apprenticeships. BY THE AYRSHIRE ENGINEERING ALLIANCE. The group visited Spirit AeroSystems in Prestwick and Kilmarnock’s MAHLE Group for a tour of their facilities. At Spirit AeroSystems the group gained a vital insight into the aeronautical side of engineering, when the I think the apprenticeship company showed the students how they produce wing components for Airbus A350. route is the fastest and best At MAHLE the students developed an understanding way to achieve the career of the automotive industry, and they were particularly impressed to learn how MAHLE supplies engine parts I want. An apprenticeship to Formula 1 racing teams. The Ayrshire Engineering Alliance supports growth gives me experience - I won’t within the local engineering sector, and future site visits be sitting in a classroom all to other Ayrshire engineering companies are in the pipeline for our students. the time unable to put my Stephen Lawrence of Prestwick Academy said “I like making things and I see myself as a creative person, knowledge into practice. so it was very interesting to get a glimpse into life as Declan Mitchell, ICT Apprentice an engineer.”

24 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 25 Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce AYRSHIRE COLLEGE APPRENTICES

SINCE OUR LAST ISSUE, WE HAVE HIRED OUR VERY OWN MODERN APPRENTICES TO JOIN OUR MARKETING AND ICT TEAMS.

Catriona Cook is 22 years old and joins as a Digital Marketing apprentice, a post funded by the Ayrshire College Foundation. Former student Declan Mitchell, also 22, joins as an ICT apprentice.

24 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 25 Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce we RECENTLY EXPANDED our Marketing STEvEN PIRRIE Team WITH TWO INTERNSHIP POSITIONS, GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN

FURTHER DEMONSTRATING our Steven studied Graphic Design for Digital Media at university and saw the College position as an COMMITMENT TO dEVELOPING our YOUNG opportunity to develop further, after a year of WORKFORCE. freelance work. Steven said “I thought Ayrshire College was a very Events intern Ada Konkolska, 22 from Glasgow, and reputable brand to be associated with. There’s a lot Graphic Designer Steven Pirrie, 23 from Kilwinning, of space for personal development, and I knew I’d be joined the College on six-month internships that run working on a lot of interesting projects here. until March 2017. “I’d been doing different freelance jobs for design We caught up with the pair to see how their first few companies and also had a one-month internship with months had gone. G1. Working in the hospitality/entertainment industry was a great experience - I was working on lots of promotional material for bar and restaurant brands. aDa KONKOLSKa I WaNT TO WORK WITH INTERESTING EVENTS INTERN COMPaNIES, INTERESTING BRaNDS, aND INTERESTING PEOPLE. “This position is perfect for me because I’m constantly learning new skills,” Ada began. JOIN COLLEGE TEAM “At the College I’ve worked on their student magazine, which was a big, 40-page project. It had “I graduated in Events Management in June and was its own challenges which were good to overcome. looking for a position to get my career started. I’ve I’ve also been creating graphics for a lot of different worked on a lot of my own projects but have never platforms at the College, such as printed posters, worked in the public sector before - so it’s been nice web graphics and social media graphics. to try out a different perspective. “I’ve worked on so many tasks that I can’t think of “I only started in October but already I’ve worked on them all right now! Every day there’s something new a lot of different projects. I started to help organise to work on.” the graduation ceremonies straight away. That was fun to work on as I’d just participated in my own a Both Ada and Steven are quick to identify skills that few months before, so it was nice to see it from the they have improved upon during their time at the other perspective! College. Ada cited the importance of remembering the most minor details when it comes to event “I have also had the chance to work on my own planning, and Steven recognised his ability to juggle project, which was the College’s ‘Respect’ campaign. an ever-increasing workload. This campaign encouraged students and staff members at Ayrshire College to respect each other, The pair still have a few months left at the College, themselves, their environment and their community. and are in no hurry for their internships to finish. “That was something that I was mainly responsible Ada said “I’ve not thought about March yet. for, so it was good to get that level of responsibility “However, I know when this finishes I want to follow so early on. it up with another Events position. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Ayrshire College so far, so would be “The latest event was the official opening of the new keen to continue down this path and develop my Kilmarnock Campus in December, which was opened skills more. We’ll see what happens when the time by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP. So there have comes.” been a number of different events.” Steven added “I want to work with interesting companies, interesting brands, and interesting people. I’ll continue to learn, and I’ll enjoy myself at work. That’s the main thing.”

26 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 27 Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce we RECENTLY EXPANDED our Marketing STEvEN PIRRIE Team WITH TWO INTERNSHIP POSITIONS, GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN

26 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 27 Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce STUDENTS and PARTNERING WITH staff BECOME PRESTWICK AIRCRAFT Partnering with Shorterm

STEM AMBASSADORS MAINTENANCE LTD A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM OUR ‘PERFORMING ENGINEERING OPERATIONS WITH COMPOSITES’ COURSE ARE TO BENEFIT FROM A record number of our students have gained OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH SHORTERM. new positions at Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance Ltd (PAML) as a result of a mutually beneficial Shorterm is one of the UK’s largest technical partnership that sees PAML recruit their new engineering recruits who provides staff to British apprentices directly from the College. Airways in Scotland, England and Wales.

PAML is a facility at Prestwick Airport operated by Shorterm has guaranteed to interview every student Ryanair to carry out heavy maintenance duties on its who passes the 18 week course for ongoing fixed- fleet of aircraft. term assignments with British Airways’ Heavy Maintenance facility at Glasgow International Airport. We had a great response to our call for staff Eleven students from HNC Aeronautical Engineering and students to become STEM Ambassadors. secured attractive apprenticeships with PAML. The link-up with Shorterm is a completely new way Another four students - Dhanyal Baig, Megan Brodie, for students to enter the aviation and aerospace We invited college representatives from any STEM- Cameron Cruickshanks, and Sam Piper - were industry. related discipline to become ambassadors, and employed by the company as Trainee Mechanics. more than forty signed up. The apprentice recruits for 2016 are Andrew Volunteers attended induction training sessions Davidson, Andrew Fulton, David Gracie, Stuart last October at each of our three main campuses Hastings, Cameron Henderson, Christopher Hill, Jack in Ayr, Kilmarnock and Kilwinning. Leitch, Sam Lewis, Kyle McIver, Fergus Mitchell and Andrew Muir. STEM Ambassadors volunteer their time, enthusiasm and expertise to inspire school The apprentice engineers combine their time pupils through workshops and by sharing their between PAML’s Prestwick base and our Ayr Campus. experiences. The College works with aerospace employers to design courses that are tailored to meet industry Many Ayrshire STEM employers are active needs, and offers engineering students and participants in the STEM Ambassadors programme apprentices first class training facilities at our including BAE Systems, Booth Welsh, EDF Energy, Aeronautical Engineering Training Centre. GE Caledonian, GSK Irvine, Hypsec Engineering, SOME OF OUR AYRSHIRE CONNECTS MEMBERS NATS Prestwick and Spirit AeroSystems. Gavin Murray, Director of Learning and Skills VISITED THE UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW TO for STEM, said “It is important that students are MEET STUDENTS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF The College regularly receives invitations to equipped with the necessary skills required to work FEMENG, THE FEMALE ENGINEERING SOCIETY. participate in STEM-related activities from for our industry partners, which is why we work primary and secondary schools across Ayrshire. closely with industry leaders such Ayrshire Connects is a mentoring network for female Establishing a team of STEM Ambassadors allows as PAML.” STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) us to agree to more requests and provide a and construction students across the College. greater experience to pupils. The group heard from FemEng members on what it’s There are many ways in which a STEM like to study engineering at university. Ambassador can assist at a school. They deliver Our relationship with Prestwick practical activities, provide careers advice by Aircraft Maintenance Ltd gives our Our members had a tour of the Nanofabrication talking directly to classes or by joining a class Centre and Biomedical Engineering department. discussion via Skype, take part in a networking students the opportunity to work in a event, or support an existing STEM club. This visit provided our students with an first class industrial environment. opportunity to gain an insight into a range of degree courses at university. We hope it helped them make a decision about their next steps to university.

28 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 29 Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce STUDENTS and PARTNERING WITH staff BECOME PRESTWICK AIRCRAFT Partnering with Shorterm

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Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce

At Ayrshire College, we are proud to have to look after it and each other. That is why we a campus community that is respectful, launched our Respect campaign at the end of welcoming and inclusive. We want students 2016. and staff to be proud of where they study We want to continue building a respectful and work, and to create a sense of belonging environment for our students, staff and within the College community. communities. We are proud of the high standards on each campus. This is our local College – it’s where we work and study, and we are proud of it and want YOURSELF Our RESPECT campaign focuses on the following themes: ENVIRONMENT Our three-part blog series encouraged readers to RESPECT PEOPLE, as members of our Estates Team spoke about their COMMUNITY daily lives working at our Ayr, Irvine and OTHERS Kilmarnock campuses. OTHERS

RESPECT MARY Cleaning Supervisor at Kilmarnock I love my job. People say to me – “you love RESPECT MYSELF RESPECT PEOPLE cleaning?”, and I really do. It’s been 20 years Good health and Let’s celebrate and I still like to walk out at night thinking wellbeing is essential equality and diversity, for our students and and ensure everyone ‘that building’s nice and clean’. I do take pride staff to achieve their is treated equally, and in that. goals. Respect starts with mutual trust and with yourself. respect.

RESPECT BILLY Campus Assistant at Ayr RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT Encourage all to look after the College We need to make sure the College is warm, environment and enjoy the learning space, by clean and comfortable for everyone contributing to recycling, using the litter bins provided and to consider greener travel. each day.

RESPECT THE COMMUNITY RESPECT ROY Consider the neighbours of the College, by Centre Support Assistant at Irvine

not dropping litter, respecting smoke-free We’re trying to make the place as campuses and parking considerately in and around the campuses. pleasant as possible for any student or visitor that comes in.

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Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce

RESPECT THE COMMUNITY RESPECT ROY Consider the neighbours of the College, by Centre Support Assistant at Irvine not dropping litter, respecting smoke-free We’re trying to make the place as campuses and parking considerately in and around the campuses. pleasant as possible for any student or visitor that comes in.

30 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 31 Celebrating Success Celebrating Success

Graduation

A RECORD NUMBER OF HNC AND HND STUDENTS GRADUATED THIS YEAR AT THREE CEREMONIES IN AYR, KILMARNOCK AND KILWINNING.

Every graduate was presented with a special medal from our Chairman and a certificate from the Principal to commemorate their achievements.

Individual awards were also given out at each ceremony, with Shannon Campbell (Kilwinning), Natasha Kerr (Kilmarnock) and Jean Muir (Ayr) all named ‘Overall Student of the Year’ for their respective campuses.

Click on the links below to see the photographs from each campus’s Graduation ceremony.

KILWINNING CAMPUS GRADUATION ABBEY CHURCH, 21 OCTOBER

KILMARNOCK CAMPUS GRADUATION GRAND HALL, 4 NOVEMBER

AYR CAMPUS GRADUATION TOWN HALL, 25 NOVEMBER

32 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 33 Celebrating Success Celebrating Success

Graduation

A RECORD NUMBER OF HNC AND HND STUDENTS GRADUATED THIS YEAR AT THREE CEREMONIES IN AYR, KILMARNOCK AND KILWINNING.

Every graduate was presented with a special medal from our Chairman and a certificate from the Principal to commemorate their achievements.

Click on the links below to see the photographs from each campus’s Graduation ceremony.

KILWINNING CAMPUS GRADUATION ABBEY CHURCH, 21 OCTOBER

KILMARNOCK CAMPUS GRADUATION GRAND HALL, 4 NOVEMBER

AYR CAMPUS GRADUATION TOWN HALL, 25 NOVEMBER

32 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 33 Celebrating Success Celebrating Success

Watch this space for more!...

Already in 2017 we have been shortlisted at the AWARD WINS SEMTA Skills Awards in the Training Provider of the Year category. The College has been shortlisted in the Contribution to the Local Community category at the TES FE Awards for the ‘Get Kilmarnock Active’ campaign.

2016 was a very successful year for us on the awards front. At the College Development Network Marketing Awards, our Marketing Team has been shortlisted for four awards in Communications and PR, Digital Marketing, and two nominations in Events. In 2016, we won nine awards at ceremonies including: College Development Network Awards, Green Gown Awards, The Herald Diversity Awards, The College has also been awarded Best Twitter Performance and The Herald Society Awards, North Ayrshire Sports Awards, Best LinkedIn Performance in the College Category at the 2017 Edurank Awards. Scottish Mentoring Network Awards, and the SQA Star Awards.

Former joinery student Stuart Queen won Apprentice of the Year at the Ayrshire Business Awards.

We were Commended in the College Business category at the College Development Network Awards for our ‘Making Your Business Our Business’ strategy.

Our Sport and Fitness department’s ‘Get Kilmarnock Active’ project was Highly Commended in the Community category at the Green Gown Awards, Stuart Queen, with Making Your Business Student President Angela Alexander where Sport and Fitness lecturer David Dougan was also a finalist. Heather Dunk, Principal and Our Business Employer Dinner and Holly Bates #ThisAyrshireGirlCan Willie Mackie, Chair of the Board Our ‘#ThisAyrshireGirlCan’ campaign won the Best Diversity Marketing and Social Issues Campaign at The Herald Diversity Awards, while Equality and Inclusion Advisor Sara Turkington won the Rising Star Diversity Award.

We won the Partnership Award at The Herald Society Awards for our HIVE Summer Programme, and our work with Dean Castle Country Park, Nil By Mouth, and Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance Ltd.

Two of our Sport & Fitness students won at the North Ayrshire Sports Awards. James O’Neill was named Community Coach of the Year and Lauren Gilbert was named Sara Turkington picking up her Herald Society Awards Herald Society Awards Rising Star Diversity Award Partnership Award - Prestwick Partnership Award - Dean Castle Young Volunteer of the Year. Aircraft Maintenance Ltd

Our Peer Mentoring project was crowned a joint winner of the ‘Disability & Health Project of the Year’ award at this year’s Scottish Mentoring Network Awards Congratulations to

Sport & Fitness student Natasha Kerr won the SQA College Candidate of the Year all involved. We look Award, while Bricklaying lecturer Billy Hutchison was Highly Commended in forward to continued the SQA Champion category at the SQA Star Awards. success in 2017. We were also presented with the Scottish Student Sport Volunteer Champion Award, achieving the highest award of five stars. Billy Hutchison, highly commended Natasha Kerr, SQA College SQA Champion Candidate of the Year

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Watch this space for more!...

Former joinery student Stuart Queen won Apprentice of the Year at the Ayrshire Business Awards.

We were Commended in the College Business category at the College Development Network Awards for our ‘Making Your Business Our Business’ strategy.

We won the Partnership Award at The Herald Society Awards for our HIVE Summer Programme, and our work with Dean Castle Country Park, Nil By Mouth, and Prestwick Aircraft Maintenance Ltd.

Our Peer Mentoring project was crowned a joint winner of the ‘Disability & Health Project of the Year’ award at this year’s Scottish Mentoring Network Awards Congratulations to

34 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 35 Celebrating Success Celebrating Success

THE AWARDS OUR ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS EVENT TOOK PLACE AT AYR RACECOURSE NOMINATED BY STUDENTS ON FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2017. Winners: Fiona Harvey, Kirstin Jenkins, Alan Johnston Caroline McCulloch, Douglas Stevely, Sharon Stewart The evening was an opportunity to celebrate all of our staff members’ hard work over the past year. NOMINATED BY STAFF

of Success Staff members who reached 20 years of service at the EMPOWER AWARD College were also recognised at the event. Winner: The HIVE Team Highly Commended: Graham Gilbert, Pauline Scott Congratulations to everyone involved! EQUALITY AWARD Winner: Doreen Wales Highly Commended: Michelle MacKenzie, Sport and Fitness Team

EXCELLENCE AWARD Winner: Hospitality Team Highly Commended: Mark Hunter and the Catering Team, Mark Vance

INNOVATE AWARD Winner: Michael Steel Highly Commended: Learning Technology Team, Kevan Scade

PARTNERSHIP AWARD Winner: Robbie Thompson and Mark Sanger Highly Commended: David Dougan, Mission Discovery Team, Sport and Fitness Team

RESPECT AWARD Winner: Billy Gemmell Highly Commended: Linda Kerr

CHAIRMAN’S AWARDS Winners: Estates Team, Finance Team, ICT Team, Marketing Team

LONG SERVING MEMBERS OF STAFF Fiona Blain – Business Development Christine Cleeve – Catering Kathleen Dalziel – Essential Skills Joseph Dunn – Business and Computing Christine Gentleman – Business and Computing Michelle Gibson – Student Services Graham Gilbert – Construction and Trades John Murray – Construction and Trades Robert Scott – Construction and Trades Rebecca Smith – Student Services Doreen Tait – Essential Skills Elaine Watson – Arts and Fashion Lesley Wilson – Finance Elaine Zenati – Sports and Social Science

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Awards were presented to individuals or teams in COMMUNICATE AWARD Celebration nine categories - including a special Chairman’s Lynsey Reid Winner: Awards category. Highly Commended: Sue Murphy , Julie Thorne of Success Staff members who reached 20 years of service at the EMPOWER AWARD College were also recognised at the event. Winner: The HIVE Team Highly Commended: Graham Gilbert, Pauline Scott Congratulations to everyone involved! EQUALITY AWARD Winner: Doreen Wales Highly Commended: Michelle MacKenzie, Sport and Fitness Team

EXCELLENCE AWARD Winner: Hospitality Team Highly Commended: Mark Hunter and the Catering Team, Mark Vance

INNOVATE AWARD Winner: Michael Steel Highly Commended: Learning Technology Team, Kevan Scade

PARTNERSHIP AWARD Winner: Robbie Thompson and Mark Sanger Highly Commended: David Dougan, Mission Discovery Team, Sport and Fitness Team

RESPECT AWARD Winner: Billy Gemmell Highly Commended: Linda Kerr

CHAIRMAN’S AWARDS Winners: Estates Team, Finance Team, ICT Team, Marketing Team

36 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 37 Celebrating Success College News Medal wins for para-athletes Three sisters take

TWO OF OUR SPORT AND Motor Vehicle route FITNESS STUDENTS HAVE RETURNED FROM MAJOR THREE SISTERS ARE STUDYING AT THE Their father runs his own mechanics company – SPORTING EVENTS WITH COLLEGE AT THE SAME TIME, ALL ON J&S Motors in Hurlford - which sparked their interest MOTOR VEHICLE COURSES. in working with cars. They all dream of working in GOLD MEDALS. the family business together. Sarah Cruickshank is the eldest at 25 and has been at the College since 2014. Shannon, 19, followed David Middleton, Curriculum Manager for Trades, in her big sister’s footsteps soon after, while said “While Sarah, Shannon and Rachel are all at Deirdre Nagle youngest sibling Rachel, 17, started at the College different stages in their qualifications, it’s interesting in August 2016. to have three members of the same family studying Deirdrie won gold and silver medals in Para the same course subject. Badminton at the Irish 4 Nations in Belfast. Shannon is studying on day release and is in her final year before becoming fully qualified. “All three are progressing extremely well and I am Deirdre achieved gold in the Combined Rachel and Sarah are in their first and third years sure they will make exceptional mechanics once Standing Category of the women’s doubles respectively on full-time courses. they complete their time here.” event alongside Irish partner Emma Farham, and won silver for her efforts in the Short Statured Category in the singles category.

Kayleigh Haggo

Kayleigh competed in the National British Para Swimming Championships in Manchester. Kayleigh’s events were the 100m breaststroke, 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle and 200m freestyle. She achieved four gold medals and two personal bests.

Kayleigh is now on target to meet the requirements to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. now they all dream of working in the family business together. mm

38 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 39 Celebrating Success College News Medal wins for para-athletes Three sisters take

Kayleigh Haggo

Kayleigh is now on target to meet the requirements to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. now they all dream of working in the family business together. mm

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College News College News STUDENTS COOK

AT PARLIAMENT HOSPITALITY AND PROFESSIONAL COOKERY STUDENTS HOSTED A SPECIAL DINNER SERVICE AT THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT.

Under the guidance of Hospitality Lecturer Claire Anderson and Professional Cookery Lecturer Graham Students debate Headland, the students prepared and served a three “ course dinner menu in the prestigious Members’ ‘media representation Restaurant to invited guests including MSPs.

of women’ Willie Coffey MSP said that the dinner was “fantastic” and Brian Whittle MSP was “highly impressed”.

SOCIAL SCIENCE STUDENTS RAISED It was an amazing experience for the students and AWARENESS OF ‘MEDIA REPRESENTATION they got a tour of the Parliament buildings after the OF WOMEN’ BY A PANEL DISCUSSION dinner. KILMARNOCK HIGHLIGHTING HOW TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE AND PROMOTE GENDER There was a motion in Parliament after the event EQUALITY. applauding the students take-over of the restaurant.

The debate was chaired by HND Social Science student Sharon Menzies, with a TALKS panel of experts: • Mia Burleigh, Sports Scientist • Jackie Galbraith, Vice Principal “ • Kayleigh Haggo, Sports Coaching student • Lainey McKinlay, Student Vice President • Hala Ousta, Scottish Football Association The ‘Kilmarnock Talks...’ collaborative • Davy Thompson, White Ribbon campaign project between Alzheimer Scotland and the SOCIAL SCIENCES STUDENTS Students and staff from across the College College allows people living with dementia were invited to join in the panel discussion, Jamie Greene: Welcoming Ayrshire College HAVE BEEN DELIVERING A SERIES to get involved in conversations with the examining a range of areas such as women Students to the Parliament - That the students on a range of topics within a in sport, women in STEM careers, questions Parliament welcomes the students from OF DISCUSSIONS FOR ELDERLY comfortable environment. around the portrayal of women in politics, Ayrshire College who will be managing the reality TV and video gaming and violence Members’ Restaurant on 2 November 2016; ‘Kilmarnock Talks…’ are monthly sessions against women. recognises the important educational role that KILMARNOCK RESIDENTS LIVING a hands-on approach can offer students, and and cover politics, modern history, applauds the college for helping facilitate what WITH DEMENTIA geography and philosophy. The first session it sees as a great initiative, which recognises focused on poverty and the welfare state. that education shouldn’t be limited to desk work.

Please e-mail [email protected] Supported by: John Lamont*, Miles Briggs*, Ruth for details of the next session Maguire*, Ross Thomson*, Kenneth Gibson*, Maurice Corry*, Margaret Mitchell*, Jeremy Balfour*, Donald Cameron*, Annie Wells*, Stuart McMillan*, Liz Smith*, Alexander Stewart*, Peter Chapman*, Colin Beattie*, Richard Lyle*, Alison Harris*, Brian Whittle*, Alexander Burnett*, David Torrance*, Neil Bibby*, Douglas Ross*

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College News College News STUDENTS COOK

AT PARLIAMENT HOSPITALITY AND PROFESSIONAL COOKERY STUDENTS HOSTED A SPECIAL DINNER SERVICE AT THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT.

of women’ Willie Coffey MSP said that the dinner was “fantastic” and Brian Whittle MSP was “highly impressed”.

40 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 41 College News College News MEETMEET OUROUR NEWNEW AYRSHIREAYRSHIRE COLLEGECOLLEGE CHAIRMAN GETS boardboard membersmembers ON BOARD FOOD TRAIN

Margarette Douglas Marri Bryan McIvor Welsh

Margarette was brought up in Kilmarnock and left Douglas started his career as an apprentice at BAE school at the age of 15, without any qualifications, to Systems in Prestwick, where he attended Ayrshire I’m proud to be part of a join the retail industry. College on day release. AYRSHIRE COLLEGE CHAIRMAN WILLIE She has worked with Alex Begg for 20 years where she He now leads the Weir Group’s value chain transformation collective who inspires has worked her way up to Retail Sales Manager. programme, after a spell at Rolls-Royce and 12 years MACKIE RECENTLY HAD THE PLEASURE in management consulting with EY, Capgemini and OF VOLUNTEERING WITH MARRI AT Margarette delivers talks to our students, gives them Bearingpoint. achievement.. FOOD TRAIN, A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE live briefs for coursework, and sponsors them with CHARITY THAT PROVIDES VITAL SUPPORT fabric. Douglas said “I am enjoying my role as a board member. SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE TO LIVE Everyone has been very welcoming. My role at Weir Group INDEPENDENTLY AT HOME. Margarette said “I thought I could bring something to involves a lot of travel, and the opportunity to be involved Marri left her Cumnock home to go to university in the table for the students. I feel I can help steer people in Ayrshire is great. Edinburgh, and is enjoying being back in Ayrshire after who leave school without knowing which direction to returning in 2013. Food Train supports the elderly in go, into a career that they would like to pursue. “It is an interesting time to be involved with the new Scotland with a range of services like Kilmarnock Campus and the developments on the other After setting up Food Train’s Renfrewshire service, Marri is “So far, it’s been very interesting on the Board. I’m campuses. This combined with the developments in the now working with the social enterprise in North Ayrshire. grocery shopping home deliveries, finding my voice; it’s completely different to my curriculum are very exciting.All of this work is balanced with Her background is in marketing where she worked in both household support services and experience in a private sector company.” the challenging financial constraints. private and voluntary sector roles. befriending services. “I have watched the progress of Ayrshire College from a Marri feels privileged to have worked with a range of I thought I could bring distance but was not fully aware of the scale or complexity people from disadvantaged backgrounds and to see the Willie volunteered with the North of the organisation. Frankly, I have been very impressed - impact that positive opportunities can make to their lives. Ayrshire branch for a day alongside something to the table for the facilities are great, the leadership team is very capable Marri said “Joining the board has been entirely positive Sarah Simpson - one of our students and committed and the discussion at the board meetings I for me. I’m impressed with its vibrancy and diversity. I think who volunteers every Tuesday. have been involved with are without exception focused on the College marketing efforts are brilliant, and I love all the the students. continuing to move the college forward.” social media activity. I have been connecting with College Marri said “I would like to thank Willie staff and students through my role at Food Train, I’m really pleased to be able to develop my link to the College for giving up his time to see what we Tracey is a board director with consumer electronics through my day job as well as a being a board member. I’m do first hand, he was a big hit with our distributor, Maxiim Ltd, and works with some of the proud to be part of a collective who inspires achievement. team and customers. UK’s best known brands and retailers. “I’ve been warmly welcomed to the Board by the Principal, She has previously held senior positions in Sales, the Chair, staff and fellow board members. Everyone has “Volunteering is a fantastic way to Operations, Media and General Management, with gone over and above to make me feel supported while I contribute to the community and substantial profit and loss and HR responsibilities. She would like to introduce get to grips with the role. As well as the formal meetings, I gain new skills as part of the student was Sales Director for global corporate insurer, Willis their new chairperson had the pleasure of attending the Herald Higher Education experience. Sarah has made an Towers Watson and also has experience in the hospitality Awards and I am proud of Natasha Kerr for her nomination and events industry. Through this work Tracey has been for Outstanding Contribution by a Student. I was also at the immediate contribution to our vital tracey involved with charity fundraising. John Mather Awards and loved seeing the students there service and we’re pleased to have her get their equipment. She is passionate about education and technology and on board.” stark has an MBA from Strathclyde University. “I attended the Kilwinning Campus graduation which has been the highlight for me so far. It was an incredible event. Volunteering is a fantastic way to Having spent several years working in London, Tracey The energy in Kilwinning Abbey was amazing and I found moved to Ayr with her husband fifteen years ago and the whole event quite emotional.” contribute to the community and gain has two daughters. She enjoys travelling and following Scottish Rugby. new skills as part of the student Click here to read more we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate tracey on her new position with the ayrshire college foundation about our Board of Managment experience. on our website 42 The magazine of Ayrshire College The magazine of Ayrshire College 43 College News College News MEETMEET OUROUR NEWNEW AYRSHIREAYRSHIRE COLLEGECOLLEGE CHAIRMAN GETS boardboard membersmembers ON BOARD FOOD TRAIN

Margarette Douglas Marri Bryan McIvor Welsh

• Staff Conference • Scottish Apprenticeship Week • Datafest 2017 Fringe Event, Data Changes Everything • Ayrshire Growth Deal • Sponsorship

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