Press Releases

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Press Releases

For further information on any of these press releases, please contact: Lisa Brown
Marketing Team Leader
South Lanarkshire College
01355 807305
lisa.brown@slc.ac.uk For archived press releases, please click on the link: 2003-04 / 2005 / 2006 / 2007 / 2008

June 2010

Partners Sign Up for Climate Change

Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration acknowledges that climate change is real and will increasingly affect nations around the world throughout the 21st century.

Together with all Scottish Councils and the Scottish Government, the Scottish Climate Change Declaration was signed by South Lanarkshire Council Leader, Councillor Eddie McAvoy and Chief Executive Archie Strang in January 2007.

In several parts of Scotland the Climate Change Declaration has been adapted to enable the community planning partners who work with councils to join them in signing the Declaration which commits councils to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their own buildings and operations and to work with others to reduce emissions across the communities they represent.

On Tuesday 29 June 2010, the Council’s Community Planning Partners joined Councillor McAvoy and Councillor Hamish Stewart, Chair of South Lanarkshire Sustainability Partnership, to sign up to the Declaration at South Lanarkshire College’s low carbon demonstration house, ‘Aurora’ - a demonstration house built, together with a number of organisations and businesses, by South Lanarkshire College to demonstrate the use of modern low carbon technologies and building techniques which the Scottish Government foresees will eventually become the norm for housing of the future.

Council Leader, Councillor Eddie McAvoy said: “The signing of the declaration here today recognises that partners are already engaged in Scotland’s response to climate change and are helping meet the very challenging targets agreed by all political parties in the Scottish Climate Change Act. I know that several of our community planning partners have already taken part in carbon management programmes, have been investing in energy or fuel efficiency programmes, and have been setting targets to reduce their emissions and I am delighted that they are joining us here today to confirm that commitment by officially signing the Climate Change Declaration.”

Hosting Tuesday’s event, community planning partner Stewart McKillop, Principal of South Lanarkshire College said: "South Lanarkshire College is delighted to participate in the signing of the Scottish Climate Change Declaration. The college has an active carbon reduction plan in place and is working on a series of innovative projects including the award-winning low-energy, low carbon house, to signpost sensible ways to reduce energy use and reduce carbon emissions."

The ‘Aurora’ house incorporates very high levels of air tightness and insulation and has solar panels for hot water and electricity. Low energy lighting is used and natural lighting is maximised. Heating is provided by a ground source heat pump. The carbon emissions from the house are tiny compared to standard housing as are the energy bills.

Partners signing the declaration included South Lanarkshire College, NHS Lanarkshire, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Scottish Natural Heritage, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire.

Scotland has some of the most ambitious climate change legislation in the world. South Lanarkshire Council, for example, began its carbon management programme with the East Kilbride based Carbon Trust in 2005/06, has achieved a reduction of 7% its is emissions and is continuing to make gradual progress, particularly through the installation of energy technologies, more fuel efficient vehicles and increases in domestic waste recycling.

Chair of South Lanarkshire Sustainability Partnership, Councillor Hamish Stewart said: ”Along with demographic change and the very challenging financial situation climate change, and the targets that come with it, is now one of the many issues which create a backdrop for the delivery of our services. I believe it will increasingly impact on how we do business.

“By working together through community planning we can add value to what we are already doing individually in terms of climate change. By sharing resources and skills we could become more carbon efficient in the services we deliver. As national targets become more hard-edged this could be the only way to go to avoid financial penalties adding to the pressures we are already facing.

”By signing this declaration we are not only showing a united front but also showing community leadership through community planning and, in doing so, encouraging all sections of society to play their part in tackling climate change at home and at work.”

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 sets a carbon reduction target of 80% by 2050 and 45% by 2020. Section 44 of that Act also creates a new duty on the entire Scottish public sector to ‘act in a manner in the way best calculated to contribute to delivery of the Act's emissions reduction targets’. This duty comes into force in 2011.

The signing of the declaration is a symbolic gesture but one which sets the scene for local agencies to work more closely together to tackle climate change.

As well as dealing with the challenges of reduced funding, the public sector will in future have to deliver its services on a lower carbon ‘budget’. There are also potential benefits in terms of reduced energy and fuel costs, and lower land fill taxes. A wide range of government measures are already in place, or in the pipeline, which will increase the cost of carbon based fuels to create a strong incentive for carbon reduction. A low carbon economy will also create new opportunities for business and South Lanarkshire is well placed to take advantage of these.

Charity Walk

On Monday 14 June, South Lanarkshire College Painting and Decorating year 1 students raised £1000 in aid of MacMillan Cancer Care by participating in a sponsored walk through the vast Achray Forest, Aberfoyle.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were thrilled to raise so much for the worthy cause.

Alex Neil MSP visits College’s home of the future

Alex Neil, Minister for Housing and Communities, today (Wednesday 9 June), visited the first affordable, low-energy, low-carbon home at South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride. The low-energy, low-carbon house ‘Aurora’ is the result of a successful and unique partnership between South Lanarkshire College, Dawn Homes and more than 50 private sector partners. It showcases the low-energy technologies and high insulation levels capable of reducing energy use and energy bills to zero while contributing towards challenging government targets to reduce greenhouse gases and carbon emissions. The low-energy house exceeds building standards requirements that are recommended to come into force in 2013 and then in 2016/2017 by The Sullivan Report: ‘A Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland’. It also leads the way as a blueprint for eco-friendly house construction and is providing a unique training facility in the UK to teach students the principles behind low-energy buildings.

The house is one of very few to be built that easily achieves the highest possible energy performance rating – an “A” rating. Currently, the majority of older housing only achieves a “D” rating and even most new housing usually only achieves a “C” rating. Someone buying a house like this would be in the enviable position of being able to have net energy available for sale back to the national grid each year and could generate a small income from the house instead of having heating bills. The team behind the development are monitoring the energy produced and the energy consumed over the next few years and will produce real-time information on the house’s performance. Any saving in energy use is good news not only for consumers but also for the social housing market where the provision of low-cost, energy efficient properties is key to solving fuel poverty.

Minister for Housing and Communities Alex Neil said: “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everyone in Scotland has access to good quality, warm and affordable housing.

“It is crucial that homes being constructed in Scotland employ the most energy efficient design, which will help cut bills and combats the scourge of fuel poverty.

“South Lanarkshire College is to be congratulated for spearheading this groundbreaking project, which is leading the way in the UK.”

The low carbon house project received all-party support in the Scottish Parliament in a motion tabled on 4 March 2010 by Linda Fabiani. “This project could improve skills and support jobs, enhance the built environment and reduce emissions, while lowering people’s bills. It is precisely the kind of project I would encourage”

Martin Egan, the Managing Director of Dawn Homes commented: “We have taken The Aurora right back to the design stages, integrating the principles of sustainability to produce a property that is truly low carbon from the foundations up. The Aurora is the first step towards producing affordable and eco-friendly homes for the mass market and, in particular, the social housing market where its energy efficiency savings offer a very real solution for reducing fuel poverty. We believe that The Aurora is the house of the future and are delighted that it will be helping students at South Lanarkshire College who are very much the house builders of the future.”

Angus Allan, Depute Principal South Lanarkshire College commented on the Minister for Housing and Communities visit: “This low-energy, low-carbon house demonstrates the insulation levels and low-energy technologies that will bring down energy use and energy bills in domestic housing to almost zero in houses such as this in the near future. We think that Dawn Homes, the architects and all the sponsors have produced a low-energy house that is sensible in design and very attractive from the point of view of minimising energy bills. We think that this house may actually generate more electricity than it consumes and it could therefore provide income for the owner by selling electricity back to the national grid! “Students and staff at South Lanarkshire College and Glasgow Caledonian University will be able to access live, up-to-date data and information from the house for use in project work and dissertations. We aim to prepare our students well for changes taking place in the next few years and prepare them with skills that will enhance their potential employability. We are extremely grateful to all the sponsors of the project for their enthusiasm and contribution to making it such a success. It is an excellent example of private companies and a local college working together to mutual benefit.”

South Lanarkshire College’s low energy house project with Dawn Homes won a Business to College Innovation Award on 24 March 2010. It also won the homes for Scotland Award for Environment and Sustainablity on 21 May 2010.

May 2010

Students Help Diane to the Special Olympics

Students and staff from across the college worked together to raise £1005 to send student Diane Gillan to the Special Olympics. The students and staff hosted a variety of fundrasing events including a danceathon, a sponsored walk and a sponsored silence.

Skillbuild 2010

The Skillbuild 2010 regional final was held in the College on Thursday 6 May with participants from all over Scotland competeing in the event. South Lanarkshire College had significant successes in the following categories:

PLASTERING

1st Kenny McAllister 2nd William Richardson

PAINTING & DECORATING (NE)

3rd Mark Cooney

PAINTING & DECORATING (Senior)

2nd Sean Ferguson

ROOF SLATING & TILING

1st Steven Butler 2nd Stephen Tipping

Master Chefs of Great Britain Apprentice of the Year 2010

A hospitality Student from South Lanarkshire College has exceled at the Master Chefs of Great Britain Awards in London

Julie Morgan - 1st year Hospitality Management Student was placed 3rd at the 'Master Chefs of Great Britain Apprentice of the Year' Awards. The event sponsored by 'Villeroy and Boch' was held in Westminster Kingsway College where the 8 finalists who were chosen from 50 applicants cooked from a 'mystery' basket of ingredients. Each competitor was given 2 ½ hours to prepare, cook and serve their dishes from the raw ingredients given The basket contents were a true test of professional skills based on butchery techniques, fishmongery and complex vegetable preparations. Each candidate was also judged on professional practices, food hygiene and health and safety. The highest percentage of the marks was awarded for taste and dish harmony. Julie's menu was:

Paupiette of Lemon Sole with a Herb and Scallop Mousseline on Wilted Spinach, with a Cornish Hand Dived Scallop, Fresh Tomato, a Shellfish Fumet and New Season English Asparagus
~~~~~0~~~~~
Roast Best End of Spring Lamb with a Lamb and Kidney Hotpot, New Potatoes, Roast Shallots, Celeriac Puree and a Red Wine Jus

Julie said of her experience ' I must thank chef Auchie sincerely for his commitment and effort to ensure the preparations were exemplary and concise in the preparation for the Apprentice of the Year Final and to the senior management of the college for giving me such a wonderful opportunity. The experience I gained was invaluable and will stand me in good stead for my future career aspirations'.
South Lanarkshire College is fast becoming synonymous across the UK in hospitality for the quality of its students and for the standards they set at National competitions.

Julie's day was made all the more memorable with a visit to William Curley ‘Patissier Chocolatier’. William who is also a Master Chef of Great Britain who owns shops in Richmond and Belgravia offered Julie a tour of the Belgravia premises and then an opportunity to sample a large selection of hand dipped confectionery, patisserie products and items form the popular 'Dessert Bar Menu'.

April 2010

Investors in People Gold Standard Award

South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride is delighted to announce that it has achieved the Investors in People (IiP) Gold Standard, following a recent inspection. Investors in People is a national organisation which sets out recognised standards for employers to help improve business performance.

South Lanarkshire College East Kilbride is one of only 22 organisations in Scotland to have achieved Gold Status, putting it in the top 1.25% of all 40,000 IiP accredited organisations across the UK.

To achieve Gold Status the College had to satisfy at least 126 evidence requirements over and above the 40 required for the basic standard which it has held continuously since 1997.

The IiP assessment framework supports the College’s vision to be the leading provider of education and training, and reinforces the drive for continual improvement of the services that the College provides, through the investment in and involvement of the College staff.

In the IiP Report, the College was praised for its strong team culture, and for the wide range of development opportunities provided for staff. Communications within the College were seen to be a particular strength, enabling staff to work together in support of the College’s aims and objectives.

Chair of the South Lanarkshire College Board of Management, Jane McCartney commented that “The comments from the assessor reflect our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to building on this tremendous success as we continue to develop the services we provide”.

Commenting on the award, Principal Stewart McKillop said: “We are very pleased to have received ‘Gold’ Investors in People accreditation.

“Investors in People represents the way we work at the College, achieving success through the investment in and great efforts of our staff.”

March 2010

South Lanarkshire College wins another award

South Lanarkshire College won a Business to College Award for the second year running. Last year the college won the award for effective development of a company’s workforce. This year the college won the “Business to College Award for Innovation” for its work with Dawn Homes and 50 business partners on designing and building an affordable low-energy low-carbon house – the first in Scotland to be built by a mass house builder. The award was presented by Keith Brown, minister for Skills and Schools at an event organised by “Scotlands Colleges” and hosted by Kay Adams at the Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on Wednesday 24 March.

Angus Allan Depute Principal at the college said: “This project supports our work in education, training and knowledge transfer to students, employers and companies in the construction sector. Lessons learned in the design and construction of the house are already being translated into new ways of working by many of the partner companies. The completed project is a testimony to a huge amount of hard work and the enthusiasm of particular individuals in making it a success. The college is delighted to win the ‘Business to College award for Innovation’ and is grateful to Dawn Homes and the Managing Director, Martin Egan for their support.”

The low-energy house at South Lanarkshire College showcases high insulation levels capable of reducing energy usage to a fraction of that of a typical new house. The low-energy technologies embedded in the design are capable of reducing energy bills to zero and can create a net income for an owner of a home like this. The completed low-energy house is one of the few in Scotland to have an “A” rated energy performance certificate and also exceeds code level 5 on the code for sustainable homes. The house demonstrates how new house builders can contribute towards challenging government targets to reduce greenhouse gases and carbon emissions. Technologies in the house include a heat recovery system, thermal energy pumps and the capacity from photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate more electricity than the house uses. The design exceeds expected future building standards for both 2013 and 2016 and it leads the way as a blueprint for eco-friendly house construction.

In addition to winning this award, the college was also recently praised at the Scottish Parliament for its innovative and forward-looking approach. Linda Fabiani presented a motion which was overwhelmingly supported by MSPs across parties.

At the Scottish Parliament Linda Fabiani MSP stated “this flagship project gives Scotland the potential to become a world leader in building a new generation of affordable low-carbon homes, helping to both combat climate change and address fuel poverty.

The building will provide a unique training facility in the UK to teach current students the principles behind low-energy buildings and it will facilitate courses for commercial clients including Domestic Solar Hot Water Heating, Ground Source Heat Pump Installer, Part L Efficiency and Renewable Energy Awareness.”

Andy Kerr MSP added that the project “.. is a vision of the future. It shows the immediate future in terms of our house building. It’s about learning, skills and innovation and the construction of the house proves that if we have the vision we can make a real change.”

MSP Alex Neil summed up the feeling in Parliament commenting that the project
“.. offers an important insight into what is needed in society to realise a low carbon future in terms of technical solutions and construction skills.”

Give yourself a Pre-Easter treat with a Pampering Session at SLC-ek

Staff and students of South Lanarkshire College East Kilbride would like to welcome all regular and new clients to the college's state-of-the-art hair salons; spa and beauty rooms where they are offering a wide variety of hair treatments and therapies to assist student assessment. Beauty and hair appointments are offered throughout the week to members of the public at extremely affordable prices. The Salon is also looking for models for student assessment. Prices for styles and treatments range from £4 for a shampoo/set for short hair to £18for a full head colour. With the choice of conditioning treatments for £5 and a cut and blow dry ranging from £5 to £9.
All members of the public are welcome, so please let family and friends know about the service.
The Beauty department at the College are providing treatments to the public which include premium brand Dermalogica facials, manicures, massage, exfoliation, waxing and spray tanning Wraps are also offered using the leading spa range of Finders products. To coincide with this we can also suggest facial and figure toning which includes micro lifting and microdermabrasion treatments using the latest electrical equipment. The latest technical advances in skin care are also available using non surgical facelift, microdermabrasion and ‘skinlight’, to offer customised protocols and suit individual requirements. The treatments are offered at £30 per treatment or £60 for 3 sessions, payable when booking. The Beauty Therapy department are delighted to provide all the treatments at competitive prices to assist the students in their assessment and to provide the optimum in relaxation. Prices range from £2 for chin and lip waxing to a special offer of £10 for a full body massage and £12 for a spray tan.
For a full list of hair and beauty treatments provided and to make an appointment please contact 01355 807465.

Citizenship Students Show Racism the Red Card

A selection of students from all 3 faculties joined the campaign on Friday 5 March to show racism the red card.
Each of the students pictured arrived in football colours of teams from around the country and beyond. They will now donate their strips to Malawi in partnership with Glasgow the Caring City to encourage citizenship. Malawi is amongst the world's least developed and most populated countries. The Malawian government depends heavily on outside aid to meet development needs. The strips will be a welcome addition to the townships and will be warmly received.

Brakes UK Silver Medal for SLCEK

The students of Hospitality from South Lanarkshire College excelled at the 'Brakes UK Student Chef Challenge' on the 3rd March 2010 at 'Hotelympia' culinary competition in the Docklands, London.

Gillian Hanson (41) The Murray, East Kilbride, Laura McFarlane (19), Blackwood, Heather Simpson (45) Cambuslang and Claire McEwan (33) Greenhills, East Kilbride - who travelled as reserve, were awarded ‘Silver medals’ and placed 2nd overall narrowly beaten by Sheffield College for the coveted 1st place prize. Westminster and Kingsway College the largest catering establishment in Britain were 3rd.

David Auchie tutor and mentor to the team was truly impressed by their composure and determination to succeed at the very highest level.
David commented ' The ladies demonstrated exceptional levels of skill and expertise in executing such a complex menu under truly pressurised circumstances and must be exceptionally proud of their achievement. The team have finished as runners up in The most prestigious student cookery competition in which entry’s from over 40 Colleges UK wide applied’. ‘To come 2nd in a National Competition is truly a magnificent achievement’.

The result was so much more remarkable due to Claire having to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances 2 weeks prior to the final itself and Heather taking over her role in producing the main course.

The team also received the top Food Hygiene Award demonstrating the very highest standards in compliance to the storage, preparation and cooking of food which is testament to the standards they execute whilst at college.

Special thanks must also be extended to Lynne McGinley the assistant in Hospitality and former student and entrepreneur Ginette Hamilton for their valued support and contribution to the success of the trip.

February 2010

Battle of the Dragon

Following on from the Hospitality section's success at the Scottish Culinary Team's Dinner in January 2010, students went on to have further success at the 'Battle of the Dragon' International Cookery competition held in Wales on Thursday 18 February. HNC Hospitality Management student Julie Morgan represented the National team in the pastry section and the team went on to be the overall competition winners with their menu:

Hot Smoked Salmon with Blinis, Horseradish Cream, Sauce Gribiche A Terrine of Scottish Salmon and a Roast Sweet Corn Salsa
~~~~~0~~~~~
Roast Fillet of Welsh Beef with a Shoulder Hotpot, Potato and White Truffle Oil Mash, Savoy Cabbage with Pancetta, Celeriac and Seasonal Wild Mushrooms on a Madeira Sauce
~~~~~0~~~~~
Warm Coconut Frangipane Tartlet accompanied by a Passion Fruit Mousseline, Coconut Sorbet and a Mango and Pineapple Compôte

Congratulations to everyone who took part.

Pre-Apprentice Students Charity Walk

On Thursday 4 February 2010, South Lanarkshire College Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Craft students participated in a sponsored walk around Strathclyde Country Park to raise Funds for Yorkhill Children’s Hospital, Ward 2B. The Apprentices organised this as part of the course involving Citizenship skills. The entire organisation of the event was managed by the students themselves. They chose the charity as their lecturer in construction Derek Brown’s son has had 4 major operations connected to ward 2B.
The group managed to raise a fantastic sum of £805 which will be put to good use at the hospital. Two of the group John Murray and Gary Noble attended Yorkhill along with Mr Brown and his son Derek to present the cheque to Mr Davis the surgeon who operated on Derek and the staff nurse on the Ward. Mr Davis was overwhelmed by the college’s kind donation and thanked the students personally as he showed them around the ward explaining where the money would be used. Mr Davis also pointed out that Derek Brown’s son is a testament to all the equipment that is needed on the ward and without donations, children across Scotland would be greater disadvantaged.

January 2010

Brakes Competition Winners

SVQ level 3 South Lanarkshire College Hospitality students Claire McEwan 33, Greenhills; Gillian Hanson 41, Lindsayfield and Laura McFarlane 19, Blackwood recently won the Scotland and Northern Ireland and Northern English Final of the 'Brakes Student Team Challenge' at a fiercely fought competition at Ayr College. The regional finalists included Ayr College (reigning Holders of the trophy), Forth Valley College, two teams from North West catering College in Northern Ireland and Tyne Metropolitan College from Newcastle. Their winning menu was prepared cooked and served within a time limit of 1 hour and 45 minutes for four covers: Brakes Student Chef Team Challenge 2010 Menu
Hot Smoked Salmon with Blinis, Horseradish Cream, Sauce Gribiche
A Terrine of Scottish Salmon and a Roast Sweet Corn Salsa
~~~~~0~~~~~
Roast Highland Venison with a Game Hotpot, Potato and White Truffle Oil Mash, Savoy Cabbage with Pancetta, Celeriac and Seasonal Wild Mushrooms on a Madeira Sauce
~~~~~0~~~~~
Warm Coconut Frangipane Tartlet accompanied by a Passion Fruit Mousseline,
Coconut Sorbet and Mango and Pineapple Compôte
The team will now go forward to represent Scotland in the National Final at 'Hotelympia' in the Excel centre at London’s Docklands on the 3rd March 2010 against the winners of the Welsh, Midlands and Southern England Finals. An extremely proud David Auchie team mentor commended the ladies for their commitment, professionalism and team spirit in producing a 5 star performance truly worthy of the top prize.

December 2009

Scotland Leads the way in low-energy housing!

Just a few days before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, has launched the first affordable, low-energy, low-carbon home at South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride. The low-energy, low-carbon house ‘Aurora’ is the result of a successful and unique partnership between South Lanarkshire College, Dawn Homes and more than 50 private sector partners. It showcases the low-energy technologies and high insulation levels capable of reducing energy use and energy bills to zero while contributing towards challenging government targets to reduce greenhouse gases and carbon emissions. The low-energy house exceeds building standards requirements that are recommended to come into force in 2013 and then in 2016/2017 by The Sullivan Report: ‘A Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland’. It also leads the way as a blueprint for eco-friendly house construction and will provide a unique training facility in the UK to teach students the principles behind low-energy buildings.
The house is one of very few to be built that easily achieves the highest possible energy performance rating – an “A” rating. Currently most older housing only achieves a “D” rating and even most new housing usually only achieves a “C” rating. It is expected that with the technologies embedded in the design, this particular house may actually generate more electricity than it consumes. So in addition to potential energy savings of up to £1800 per year the owner of a house like this could receive a net income by selling electricity to the national grid! The team behind the development are going to monitor the energy produced and the energy consumed over the next few years and will produce real-time information on the houses performance. Any saving in energy use is good news not only for consumers but also for the social housing market where the provision of low-cost, energy efficient properties is key to solving fuel poverty.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said:
“ I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to visit this exciting project, a flagship development representing a vision of our homes for the future, looking to 2020 and beyond. Scotland has the most ambitious and comprehensive climate change legislation anywhere in the world, and moving to low carbon homes is a necessity if we are to achieve our world leading targets.”

To produce this affordable low-energy home a sensible holistic design approach was adopted, from the design of the timber frame and placement of windows, to the inclusion of heat recovery units and a rainwater harvesting system. During construction many innovative techniques and technologies were employed, making this a first for the housebuilding industry. The low-energy house incorporates photovoltaic panels, solar hot-water panels, an air heat recovery system, a ground source heat exchanger, low-energy heating systems, one third of the air leakage of a typical new house, a rainwater harvesting system, energy-saving light tunnels on the upper floor and water-saving sinks and baths. When operational it will 'be net zero carbon'. The four-bedroom detached house is fully scalable, allowing smaller or larger properties and semi-detached or terraced styles to be produced as the market demands.

November 2009

Children in Need 2009

South Lanarkshire College Students Association had a fundraising spectacular for Children in Need on Friday 20 November 2009, with help from College staff they managed to raise £431.33 in aid of the worthwhile charity. Staff were on hand to participate in a range of fundraising activities which included Depute Principal Angus Allan enduring excrutiating pain whilst Beauty students waxed his legs. Lecturers Isabel McCartney and Richard Patterson were lambs to the slaughter when they allowed students to throw sponges at them in aid of the good cause and a special mention goes to Construction Curriculum Manager Dave McLaren who bravely adopted a new hairstyle for the event - a rainbow mohican. A big thank you to Mrs McLaren for allowing her husband to come home like that on Friday night.

Real Radio Film Shoot

HND Year 1 and 2 Make- Up Artistry students did their bit for Charity last week when they vounteered to work on the make-up for Alan Rough's debut rap video. The Real Radio Football Phone-in presenter and ex Celtic goalie has penned a rap song entitled 'Wi Ma Dug' for release in aid of the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS). The students had great fun on the day as they made up Rough Daddy's female co-stars for the charity music video. The video will now only be released if a certain amount of money is raised for CHAS - the video will not be released if the money isn't raised. Only Bossman Jay on Real Radio knows what the figure is and will only let everyone know once the figure has been reached.

To help Real Radio reach their charity target and ensure our creative students work goes on display all you have to do is text the word POUND to 63344 (terms and conditions apply).

October 2009

SQA Star Awards

South Lanarkshire College student Martin Quinn had further success at the SQA Star Awards which were held on Friday, 30 October at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh. Martin was awarded the SQA Star Award for Skills Competitor of the Year. The award which is sponsored by the Government on behalf of UK Skills recognises candidates who have developed their vocational qualifications to competitive levels locally or nationally.
Martin was presented with the award due to this success at the 2008 Regional and National Skillbuild finals. Martin not only won his category at the events but he was also awarded the Frank Eaton Trophy for Best Overall apprentice. The win gained him a place in the British team at the next Roofing World Championship Competition.

Martin was still reeling from the shock of winning the Star Awards Skills Competitor of the year award when he was awarded the highest accolade - the Pride O'Worth Award.

Wear It Pink Day 2009

The College’s 2009 Wear it Pink Day was a great success, with all staff and students getting right into the spirit of the event. Pink events took place across the college, including nail and face painting and marshmallow counting, and there were pink dishes on the menu in the canteen. More than £1100 was raised.
for Breast Cancer.

Thank you very much to all who contributed, and to all those who helped out so enthusiastically on the day.

South Lanarkshire Students Graduate

South Lanarkshire College was a buzz of excitement on Tuesday 27 October as HNC/D students donned graduation gowns and took part in the annual graduation ceremony. Proud family members, friends and College staff looked on as the students were presented with their certificates by College Chairman Ian Macpherson at the ceremonies held in the Hamilton Town House. Students of all ages gained awards in subjects as diverse as Accounting, Construction Practice, Hairdressing and Early Education and Childcare. A full list of grauands are detailed below: Faculty of Business

HNC Accounting
Lynn Henderson Brown, Christine Campbell, Marie Lynn Crossan, Debbie Lindsay, Tracey Elizabeth Paterson, Elaine Simpson, Stephanie Steele, Kirsty Carina Stevenson

HNC Administration & Information Technology
Chantelle Caldwell, Heather Clare, Janice McEwan, Rebecca Park, Morag Taylor

HND Business
Arlene Manderson, Kerry McLellan

HNC Computing
Michelle McLean
Andrew Reilly

Faculty of Care

HND Beauty Therapy
Pamela Jemima Duncan, Sara Elliot, Chloe Marjory Geraghty, Jill Hastie, Agnes Sarah Hynd, Eilidh Janet Jardine, Julie Lingham, Linda Marion Mathieson, Alison Margaret McGrail, Amanda McMahon, Natalie Slowey, Dana Uhercikova, Anne-Mharie Worrall

HNC Fashion Make-up
Debbie Ann McLean, Nadine Prow

HNC Hairdressing
Lesley Gourlay, Pamela King, Vicki McArthur, Angela McDonald, Margot O’Neill, Phyllis Therese Taylor, Judy Watton, Tracey Yates

HNC Early Education & Childcare
Nicola Ballantyne, Nicole Braid, Arlene Bulloch, Amanda Burns, Isobel Mitchell Burns, Daneka Connor, Lynnette Cruickshank, Debra Dawes, Karen Ann Deans, Margaret Dunbar, Fiona Fleming, Nicola Gallacher, Karen Galloway, Heena Gill, Kirsty Jean Glass, Sandra Haig, Nicola Catherine Kilpatrick, Kathryn Marion Lynas, Olivia Mackie, Lynsey Mary McClelland, Kirsteen Fiona McLaren, Angela McLucas, Joan McMillan, Carol Miller, Arlene Primrose, Lisa Catherine Robb, Susan Robertson, Claire Scott, Arlene Telford

HNC Health Care
Katie Chung, Lesley Ann Hiddleston, Jennifer Martin, Mark James McGaw, Angela McNally, Gary Semple, Steven Simpson

HNC Social Care
Susan Anderson, Martyn Bradley, Carolyn Jane Callaghan, Karen Clark, Michelle Dean, Elaine Ellan Docherty, David Duncanson, Mary Dunn, Karla Ferguson, Kirsty Jane Fleming, Kathleen Hamilton, Donna Henderson, Barry Johnston, Pauline Jones, Susan Lees, Yvonne McMeeking, Janis McNaught, Megan Miller, Louise Mitchinson, Katherine Moir, Linda O’Brien, Zoe Primrose, Elizabeth Marie Thomson

Faculty of Construction

HNC Construction Practice
David Boland, Ross Deans, Andrew Osprey, Martin Russell, >Robin Shearer, Graeme Welsh

HNC Painting & Decorating Supervision
Stewart Campbell, Stewart Davidson, Mark George Gillespie, James McLean, Craig Robert McLeish, Ian Shaw
Faculty Awards

Faculty of Business

Edward McGee
Accounting & Business

David Higgins
Computing & Information Technology

Faculty of Care

Anne-Mharie Worrall
Beauty

Vicki McArthur
Hairdressing

Susan Robertson
Early Education & Childcare

Michelle Dean
Health & Social Care

Faculty of Construction

Graeme Welsh
Construction

Mark Gillespie
Painting & Decorating Supervision

Prizewinners

Ede & Ravenscroft Award
Gary Semple

Norma J Hutton Award
Janice McEwan

College Award for Best International Student
Qian Yu Chen

SQA Centre Award
David Duncanson

South Lanarkshire College Hosts UK SkillBuild National Finals 2009

Scotland’s top construction talent were joined today by MSP for Schools and Skills, Keith Brown, at South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride to mark the launch of the final of Britain’s largest skills competition, SkillBuild, which is organised by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the industry.

The three day event, held at South Lanarkshire College’s recently launched £34 million state of the art campus, will see over 100 apprentices and young trades people from across the UK battling it out to become Britain’s best trades person in categories such as carpentry, joinery and painting and decorating.

SkillBuild provides an opportunity to recognise the importance of apprentices and their skills and this year 14 competitors will be flying the flag for Scotland and representing their country at the ConstructionSkills managed competition.

Douglas Robertson, 21, from Coatbridge, is one of the talented apprentices who is representing Scotland today. A student at South Lanarkshire College, he scooped gold in carpentry at the regional heat back in May.

“Getting through to the final is a big deal as I’ll be competing against the best young talent the UK has to offer. So I’m trying to make sure I’m in top form to stand up against the competition as I know it will be tough.

“I really couldn’t believe that I’d won the Scottish regional heat as the other apprentices in my heat produced some great work. I found the task challenging and the brief was to construct a wooden frame incorporating some of the most complicated shapes and joints I’ve learned in my time working on the job and studying at South Lanarkshire College.

“To win would be fantastic but I’m more than happy to be getting the experience of competing in the final as I anticipate it’ll be good fun. “

Competitions manager for SkillBuild, Heather Bliss, commented: “SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to encourage and recognise excellence, as well as to help develop the future talent of the industry. The calibre of entrants this year really is some of the best that we have ever seen which is a great boost for the construction industry.

“We wish all of the competitors the best of luck and look forward to seeing them in action over the next three days; I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the employers and colleges for being so supportive throughout the competition.”

A total of 12 trades are represented at SkillBuild across the board with apprentices from as far south of the Border as Somerset.

The winners will be announced at a special ceremony at Hampden Park on Friday, 9 October, which will be opened by television presenter, Angelica Bell, who will talk to the apprentices about the importance of teamwork and showcasing your talents. The ceremony will also feature a key note speech from Mark Farrar, Chief Executive of ConstructionSkills.

The winners from this year’s national final could be in with a chance of competing to be the best in the world by taking part in the international WorldSkills competition, which is held every two years and will next take place in London in 2011.

Sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild included Crown Paints Ltd, British Gypsum, Stabila and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). For further information about the SkillBuild competition please visit www.cskills.org/skillbuild.

September 2009

SWAP Access to Nursing Students sweep to Victory

SWAP: Access to nursing at South Lanarkshire College students finished the year on a high by winning the International Adult Learners’ Group Award. The students who all have places in nurse training at the University of the West of Scotland and Glasgow Caledonian University enjoyed a night of celebration at the award ceremony held in the Marriot Hotel, Glasgow.
One member of the class, Catherine Alexander, reached the final of the Individual Adult Learners Award and is a winner in the Helena Kennedy Awards 2009.

Scotland’s Learning Partnership recognised the hard work and commitment of the class in successfully completing the course, organising charity events, managing the College Student Association as well as meeting with local groups and people applying for places on the programme.

The award was presented by Chris Harvey and Vicky Lee from STV. Kenny Anderson, Director of SWAPWest also attended the event and was delighted with the groups’ success.
Family, friends and members of the college staff joined the class in celebrating their success and the night was filled with fun and laughter – after the results had been announced!

To find out more about the SWAP Access to Nursing Course and other courses at South Lanarkshire College please contact the admissions team on 01355 270750.

August 2009

South Lanarkshire College East Kilbride's next Information Events are set for Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 August 2009.

The events will be a drop-in Information sessions for courses starting August 2009 and will be held at our new state-of-the-art Campus in East Kilbride.

Members of Faculty staff will be on hand to answer questions and give information and advice on full-time and infill study on 2009-2010 courses.

The FirstBus shuttle from the Bus Station to the College operates until 5 pm.

Recruitment Event for Potential Full-time Business Faculty Students | 20.08.09

South Lanarkshire College East Kilbride will host a specialist Business Faculty information event on Thursday 20 August. The event will focus on full-time business courses and will be offered as a drop-in session between 4 and 6 pm, when staff from the faculty of business will be on hand for one to one chats with potential students on courses commencing in August 09. Subjects which students can enquire about include HNC Hospitality, HNC Professional Cookery, HNC/D Accounting, HNC Interactive Media, Advanced Administration, HNC Administration and Information Technology, NQ Digital Media Computing, Intermediate 2 Administration.

To find out more please pop in to the College between 4 and 6 pm on Thursday 20 August or enquire prior to this on all Business courses by contacting South Lanarkshire College’s admissions team on 01355 270750.

June 2009

John Swinney Kicks off Construction of Home of the Future | 01.06.09

John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, today (Monday 1 June) formally launched a unique public-private partnership project to construct the first affordable eco-home for the mass market. The house, a partnership between South Lanarkshire College, Dawn Homes and more than 20 private sector partners, will not only provide a unique training facility to teach students the principles of sustainable design, it is also a first for the Scottish housebuilding industry.

The low-energy house incorporates a holistic approach to sustainable design rather than adding expensive eco-extras which make the cost of mass replication prohibitive. The potential cost savings on energy bills not only have positive implications for the private housebuyer but also for the social housing market where the provision of low-cost, energy efficient properties offers a practicable solution for tackling fuel poverty.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: “Moving to a low carbon economy presents huge opportunities for Scotland and we need to make our buildings greener to meet ambitious climate change targets. With forthcoming changes to building standards to reduce emissions, there is a real opportunity for innovation and this project will help develop the low carbon house of the future. This project could improve skills and support jobs, enhance the built environment and reduce emissions, while lowering people’s bills. It is precisely the kind of project I would encourage.”

From the design of the timber frame and placement of windows to the inclusion of heat recovery units and a rainwater harvesting system, the low-energy house, called the “Aurora” will incorporate techniques and technologies many of which are still uncommon in the UK. The four-bedroom detached house is scalable, allowing smaller or larger properties and semi-detached or terraced styles to be produced as the market demands.

Martin Egan, Managing Director of Dawn Homes, commented on the launch: “The ‘Green Living by Dawn’ concept is the first step towards producing affordable and eco-friendly homes for the masses.   By following the principles of the Code for Sustainable Homes and integrating them into the property from the design stages we have produced a house that is both low carbon and commercially viable. Not only will the Aurora help students at South Lanarkshire College who are the housebuilders of the future, we believe that this property is housebuilding in the future and could provide a very real solution both for reducing carbon emissions and the eradication of fuel poverty, an issue that affects an estimated 850,000 households in Scotland.*”

The Aurora at South Lanarkshire College will be used as a training facility to meet the imminent and emerging needs of operatives in the construction industry. With integrated cut-away sections and models demonstrating technologies, construction approaches and insulation materials that would otherwise be hidden below ground or behind walls, the facility will offer a unique insight into design features that will become a necessity following the implementation of the Code for Sustainable Homes legislation in Scotland in the coming years.

Angus Allan, Depute Principal at South Lanarkshire College: I am delighted with the positive and enthusiastic involvement of all the partners in this project. There is no doubt that over the next few years house design will need to evolve to meet demanding changes in Scottish building regulations with reduced targets for energy use and carbon emissions. We hope that all the partners will benefit from the experience of being involved in this innovative and forward-looking project. South Lanarkshire College is the largest trainer of operatives in the Construction Industry in Scotland and we always aim to be well placed to offer the necessary skills required to meet emerging training needs.”

As part of the project Glasgow Caledonian University will be monitoring the house to provide live data on the low heat losses and the contribution that micro-renewable energy will make to energy flows into the building, evidencing the effectiveness of the eco-friendly design.

Construction is due for completion in September 2009 when SKILLBUILD, a major UK construction skills competition, will take place at South Lanarkshire College.

* Source: Estimate of fuel poor households in Scotland, The Scottish House Condition Survey Team, March 2008.

South Lanarkshire College Sweeps the Board at Skillbuild | 28.05.09

South Lanarkshire College students overcame the competition from other College’s at the regional skillbuild competitions on May 27 2009 to become the most successful institution at the event. The College hosted the regional competition which saw South Lanarkshire College students excelling in the majority of categories.   South Lanarkshire College Students from across the trades collected 4 first prizes, 3 second prizes and 1 third prize. Prizewinners from the College were:

Bricklaying (New Entrant)

1st – Craig Lindsay – John Calderwood Builders – South Lanarkshire College

Bricklaying (Senior)

1st – Kenneth Calder – Alan Johnstone – South Lanarkshire College
Carpentry

1st – Douglas Robertson – Faced FM UK Ltd – South Lanarkshire College
Roof Slating & Tiling

1st – Steven Butler – Ian McDonald – South Lanarkshire College

2nd James Linton – City Building – South Lanarkshire College
Plastering

2nd – Scott Wright – East Ayrshire Council – South Lanarkshire College

3rd – Kenny McAllister – Bryan McAllister – South Lanarkshire College

Painting & Decorating

2nd – John Getchell – Spectrum Decorators – South Lanarkshire College

There are 4 more regional heats prior to the UK final which will culminate at South Lanarkshire College between 7 and 9 October 2009. The event is estimated to attract more than 300 competitors and 5000 visitors.

Interactive Media | 28.05.09

HNC INTERACTIVE MEDIA
new course starting August 2009
.
There are many exciting job opportunities available in this expanding area eg Web Developer, Web Portal Manager, Internet Designer, Intranet Designer, SQL Developer and Web Support. With this new and exciting course you will gain the knowledge and skills to create multimedia, web, animation and graphic design techniques:

Create your own website
Film and edit your own digital videos
Work as part of a team to complete a media project
Use a database to log and interrogate data

Hurry, a few places remaining on a number of courses for August 09 | 08.05.09

Do you have an interest in numbers, computers, information technology, cookery, hospitality, administration or business? If so, South Lanarkshire College East Kilbride has the course for you. There are currently still a few places left on the following full-time courses starting August 2009:

HNC/D Accounting

HNC/D Business

HNC Administration & Information Technology

HNC Interactive Media - New for August 09

HNC Hospitality

HNC Professional cookery

Advanced Administration and Information Technology

Intermediate Administration

Access to Business and Accounting - New for August 09

NQ Digital Media Computing

SVQ 2 Professional Cookery and Food Service

Qualifications in the above areas are highly sought after by employers and can lead to careers in administrative, commercial and managerial roles, financial institutions, marketing and business, customer care, multi-media and the internet and the hospitality industry. In the current climate such areas are still progressing at a good rate and are still frequently hiring from job centres, employment agencies and newspaper recruitment.

To find out more about any of our courses please contact the Admissions team on 01355 270750, they are waiting to take your call.

East Kilbride Town Centre College Roadshow | 21.04.09

On week beginning Monday 10 August 2009 the College will have a stand at East Kilbride Plaza Shopping Centre outside Marks and Spencers. Staff from the College will be on hand to give information and advice on College courses. We hope to see you there when the stand opens on the dates and times shown below.

Monday 10 August - 9 - 5

Tuesday 11 August 9 - 5

Wednesday 12 August - 9 - 5

Thursday 13 August - 9 - 8

Friday 14 August 9 - 5

Saturday 15 August 9 - 5

Sunday 16 August 12 - 5

Workforce Development Award | 26.03.09

For over 10 years South Lanarkshire College has assisted Land Engineering with the training and development of staff and sub-contractors. This has helped Land Engineering establish its highly credible reputation in the civil engineering sector and at the SQA sponsored Business to College Awards 2009 the success of this project was acknowledged when the College won first place in the Workforce Development Award category.

In 1999, the College began working with Land Engineering on the FOCIS Project (Future Opportunities Construction Industry Skills) which aimed to provide employment, training and certification to young people in South Lanarkshire through the redevelopment of town centres and other major construction projects.

Since then, the relationship has grown as Land Engineering responded to the increasing demand for civil engineering work and the need to have trained, certificated staff to comply with legislation. Ann McCracken, College Training & Employment Advisor, and William Bryce and John Bell of the Faculty of Construction, have all played major roles in ensuring the ongoing success of the project which has assisted in the development of around 800 staff, with the majority of the training and certification taking place on-site.

Visit by HRH The Princess Royal | 18.02.09

The College was delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to officially open the new campus in East Kilbride and launch the 60th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday 18 February, 2009.

Hair & Beauty Sweep the Board at Aberdeen Beach Ballroom | 01.12.08

South Lanarkshire College Hairdressing and Beauty students scored a hat trick at the 2008 Hair and Beauty Festival which was held last week at Aberdeen Beach Ballroom.

The competitions had over 350 entrants, and of the six students entered from South Lanarkshire College three scooped top awards.

In the Fantasy Futuristic Make-Up Competition SVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy student Donna Leverage earned 1st place, with classmate Kirsty Ford earning 3rd place from over 60 entrants. Success then followed in the Ladies High Fashion Cut and Colour competition where HNC Hairdressing student Tracy Yates earned 2nd place.

Everyone involved was delighted with the success, and very impressed with the standard of work from all six entrants.

Matthew Becomes the SQA Star | 21.11.08

Matthew Lyden from Whiltlawburn, Cambuslang has recently become the proud recipient of the SQA Star Award for ‘College Candidate of the Year’ at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Radisson Hotel. Matthew, a student of the College from 2005, won the award for his life changing efforts over the last few years. Matthew had left school with no formal qualifications due to caring for his father during periods of ill health. He then spent the next few years in jobs he did not enjoy while suffering from his own poor health. In 2005 he found the motivation to change his life and enrolled on a Computing for the Terrified course run by South Lanarkshire College at Rutherglen library. His passion for computers took centre stage at this point where he continued at the College achieving both NQ and HNC qualifications in Computing. He is currently continuing his education at Stowe College where he hopes to pursue a career in Digital Media Computing.

South Lanarkshire College Computing Curriculum Manage Steve Cassidy said:

“Mathew has been an inspirational student who has worked his way up the South Lanarkshire College learning ladder from his first learning experience at Rutherglen Library on a 'Computing for the Terrified' course to an HNC in Computing”. Martin Egan, Managing Director of Dawn Homes, commented on the launch:
“Rather than adapting our current portfolio, we have taken The Aurora right back to the design stages, integrating the principles of sustainability to produce a property that is truly low carbon from the foundations up. Part of our ‘Green Living by Dawn’ concept, The Aurora is the first step towards producing affordable and eco-friendly homes for the mass market and, in particular, the social housing market where the energy efficiency savings it offers a very real solution for fuel poverty .
“We believe that The Aurora is the house of the future and therefore we are delighted that it will be helping students at South Lanarkshire College who are very much the house builders of the future.
The Aurora at South Lanarkshire College will be used as a training facility to meet the imminent and emerging needs of operatives in the construction industry. With integrated cut-away sections and models demonstrating technologies, construction approaches and insulation materials that would otherwise be hidden below ground or behind walls, the facility offers a unique insight into design features that could help inform future building regulations.”
Angus Allan, Depute Principal at South Lanarkshire College:
“At South Lanarkshire College we aim to provide the best possible education and training experiences that we can. It is important that we take account of changes due to take place in industry so that we can prepare students well for these changes. This low-energy, low-carbon house demonstrates to students the insulation levels and low-energy technologies that will bring down energy use and energy bills in domestic housing to almost zero in houses such as this in the near future. We think that Dawn Homes and all the sponsors have produced a fantastic house that is sensible in design and very attractive from the point of view of minimising energy bills. We think that this house may actually generate more electricity than it consumes and it could therefore provide income for the owner by selling electricity back to the national grid!
“Students and staff at South Lanarkshire College and Glasgow Caledonian University will be able to access live, up-to-date data and information from the house for use in project work and dissertations. We are extremely grateful to all the sponsors of the project for their enthusiasm and contribution to making this project such a success. It is an excellent example of private companies and a local college working together to mutual benefit.”
The ‘Aurora’ will be monitored by Glasgow Caledonian University to produce live data on the low levels of heat loss and the contribution that micro-renewable energy makes to energy flows into the building, providing statistical evidence of the effectiveness of the eco-friendly design.

November 2009

Children in Need 2009

October 2009

Real Radio Film Shoot

SQA Star Awards

South Lanarkshire College student Martin Quinn had further success at the SQA Star Awards which were held on Friday, 30 October at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh. Martin was awarded the SQA Star Award for Skills Competitor of the Year. The award which is sponsored by the Government on behalf of UK Skills recognises candidates who have developed their vocational qualifications to competitive levels locally or nationally.

Martin was presented with the award due to this success at the 2008 Regional and National Skillbuild finals. Martin not only won his category at the events but he was also awarded the Frank Eaton Trophy for Best Overall apprentice. The win gained him a place in the British team at the next Roofing World Championship Competition.

Martin was still reeling from the shock of winning the Star Awards Skills Competitor of the year award when he was awarded the highest accolade - the Pride O'Worth Award.

South Lanarkshire Students Graduate

Wear It Pink Day 2009

South Lanarkshire College Hosts UK SkillBuild National Finals 2009

Scotland’s top construction talent were joined today by MSP for Schools and Skills, Keith Brown, at South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride to mark the launch of the final of Britain’s largest skills competition, SkillBuild, which is organised by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the industry.

The three day event, held at South Lanarkshire College’s recently launched £34 million state of the art campus, will see over 100 apprentices and young trades people from across the UK battling it out to become Britain’s best trades person in categories such as carpentry, joinery and painting and decorating.

SkillBuild provides an opportunity to recognise the importance of apprentices and their skills and this year 14 competitors will be flying the flag for Scotland and representing their country at the ConstructionSkills managed competition.

Douglas Robertson, 21, from Coatbridge, is one of the talented apprentices who is representing Scotland today. A student at South Lanarkshire College, he scooped gold in carpentry at the regional heat back in May.

“Getting through to the final is a big deal as I’ll be competing against the best young talent the UK has to offer. So I’m trying to make sure I’m in top form to stand up against the competition as I know it will be tough.

“I really couldn’t believe that I’d won the Scottish regional heat as the other apprentices in my heat produced some great work. I found the task challenging and the brief was to construct a wooden frame incorporating some of the most complicated shapes and joints I’ve learned in my time working on the job and studying at South Lanarkshire College.

“To win would be fantastic but I’m more than happy to be getting the experience of competing in the final as I anticipate it’ll be good fun. “

Competitions manager for SkillBuild, Heather Bliss, commented: “SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to encourage and recognise excellence, as well as to help develop the future talent of the industry. The calibre of entrants this year really is some of the best that we have ever seen which is a great boost for the construction industry.

“We wish all of the competitors the best of luck and look forward to seeing them in action over the next three days; I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the employers and colleges for being so supportive throughout the competition.”

A total of 12 trades are represented at SkillBuild across the board with apprentices from as far south of the Border as Somerset.

The winners will be announced at a special ceremony at Hampden Park on Friday, 9 October, which will be opened by television presenter, Angelica Bell, who will talk to the apprentices about the importance of teamwork and showcasing your talents. The ceremony will also feature a key note speech from Mark Farrar, Chief Executive of ConstructionSkills.

The winners from this year’s national final could be in with a chance of competing to be the best in the world by taking part in the international WorldSkills competition, which is held every two years and will next take place in London in 2011.

Sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild included Crown Paints Ltd, British Gypsum, Stabila and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). For further information about the SkillBuild competition please visit www.cskills.org/skillbuild.

September 2009

SWAP Access to Nursing Students sweep to Victory 20.09.09

AUGUST 2009

August Information Events | 25.08.09

South Lanarkshire College East Kilbride's next Information Events are set for Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 August 2009.

The events will be a drop-in Information sessions for courses starting August 2009 and will be held at our new state-of-the-art Campus in East Kilbride.

Members of Faculty staff will be on hand to answer questions and give information and advice on full-time and infill study on 2009-2010 courses.
The FirstBus shuttle from the Bus Station to the College operates until 5 pm.

Recruitment Event for Potential Full-time Business Faculty Students | 20.08.09

Polish Course

South Lanarkshire College East Kilbride will be running an Introductory Polish course starting on 17 September. The course will be on a Thursday evening over a 10 week period and will introduce students to the Polish language. By the end of the course students will be able to understand and use basic phrases such as introducing themselves and giving personal information. They will also have a sound understanding of basic daily etiquette used within the country. The course has no formal entry requirements although candidates must be over 14 years old. Fees for the course will be £60 and the course is ILA approved.
For further information on the Introductory Polish course please contact South Lanarkshire College’s admissions team on 01355 270750 or refer to the website www.slc.ac.uu

JUNE 2009

SLC-EK Sweeps the Board at Skillbuild

South Lanarkshire College students overcame the competition from other College’s at the regional skillbuild competitions on May 27 2009 to become the most successful institution at the event. The College hosted the regional competition which saw South Lanarkshire College students excelling in the majority of categories. South Lanarkshire College Students from across the trades collected 4 first prizes, 3 second prizes and 1 third prize. Prizewinners from the College were:

Bricklaying (New Entrant)
1st – Craig Lindsay – John Calderwood Builders – South Lanarkshire College

Bricklaying (Senior)
1st – Kenneth Calder – Alan Johnstone – South Lanarkshire College

Carpentry
1st – Douglas Robertson – Faced FM UK Ltd – South Lanarkshire College

Roof Slating & Tiling
1st – Steven Butler – Ian McDonald – South Lanarkshire College
2nd James Linton – City Building – South Lanarkshire College

Plastering
2nd – Scott Wright – East Ayrshire Council – South Lanarkshire College
3rd – Kenny McAllister – Bryan McAllister – South Lanarkshire College

Painting & Decorating
2nd – John Getchell – Spectrum Decorators – South Lanarkshire College

There are 4 more regional heats prior to the UK final which will culminate at South Lanarkshire College between 7 and 9 October 2009. The event is estimated to attract more than 300 competitors and 5000 visitors.

Laptops for Ghana – journey of a lifetime

South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride is supporting the development of a computing centre at Donkorkorum Agricultural Senior High School (DAS) in Ghana by providing them with 8 laptop computers this summer. Donkorkrom Agricultural School on the Afram Plains of Ghana is located in the poorest region of Ghana.

The laptops were picked up from South Lanarkshire College today, Wednesday 3 June by Sinclair Dyer, a Principal Teacher of Science at Hamilton Grammar School. This is the beginning of a 4000 mile journey for the laptops as they make their way to Donkorkorum. Through Sinclair and others a long-term partnership has developed, endorsed by the British Council. This partnership is to support the development of the curriculum and resources in DAS. As part of this initiative, Emmanuel Boateng and the Head Teacher of Donkorkrom Agricultural School, Robert Foreson will both be coming to Scotland in September this year work on curricular development.

The laptops were formally handed over to Sinclair from South Lanarkshire College by Angus Allan, Depute Principal and Edward Gordon, Senior IT technician.

The Depute Principal, Angus Allan said “Each year, as part of an ongoing programme of updating our curriculum and resources, South Lanarkshire College liaises with charities and voluntary groups to place old but still functioning IT equipment into organisations that can make good educational use of them. We are delighted to be involved in this significant project and hope to meet Emmanuel and Robert when they visit Scotland in the autumn.”

Sinclair Dyer said “I’d like to thank South Lanarksihre College for supporting this initiative. It will give students at Donkorkorum Agricultrural School the chance to develop important skills using information technology”

Freescale Employee Graduates

East Kilbride student Ivan Field has recently become the first employee affected by the Freescale closure to complete his European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualification at South Lanarkshire College East Kilbride. Ivan was presented with his certificate at the College on Monday 8 June by the Principal, Stewart McKillop, Jim Stewart, Curriculum Manager Information Technology & Computing and Ishbel Anderson Business Head of Faculty. Ivan who will now continue on at the College on an open learning basis to study for the Advanced ECDL qualification said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the College and I'm looking forward to the next stage of the course".

course finder

June 2010

Partners Sign Up for Climate Change

Charity Walk

Alex Neil MSP visits College’s home of the future

May 2010

Students Help Diane to the Special Olympics

Skillbuild 2010

PLASTERING

PAINTING & DECORATING (NE)

PAINTING & DECORATING (Senior)

ROOF SLATING & TILING

Master Chefs of Great Britain Apprentice of the Year 2010

April 2010

Investors in People Gold Standard Award

March 2010

South Lanarkshire College wins another award

Give yourself a Pre-Easter treat with a Pampering Session at SLC-ek

Citizenship Students Show Racism the Red Card

Brakes UK Silver Medal for SLCEK

February 2010

Battle of the Dragon

Pre-Apprentice Students Charity Walk

January 2010

Brakes Competition Winners

December 2009

Scotland Leads the way in low-energy housing!

November 2009

Children in Need 2009

Real Radio Film Shoot

October 2009

SQA Star Awards

Wear It Pink Day 2009

South Lanarkshire Students Graduate

September 2009

SWAP Access to Nursing Students sweep to Victory

August 2009

Recruitment Event for Potential Full-time Business Faculty Students | 20.08.09

June 2009

John Swinney Kicks off Construction of Home of the Future | 01.06.09

Interactive Media | 28.05.09

East Kilbride Town Centre College Roadshow | 21.04.09

Workforce Development Award | 26.03.09

November 2009

Children in Need 2009

October 2009

Real Radio Film Shoot

SQA Star Awards

South Lanarkshire Students Graduate

Wear It Pink Day 2009

South Lanarkshire College Hosts UK SkillBuild National Finals 2009

September 2009

SWAP Access to Nursing Students sweep to Victory 20.09.09

AUGUST 2009

August Information Events | 25.08.09

Recruitment Event for Potential Full-time Business Faculty Students | 20.08.09

Polish Course

JUNE 2009

SLC-EK Sweeps the Board at Skillbuild

Laptops for Ghana – journey of a lifetime

Freescale Employee Graduates

APRIL 2009

Workforce Development Award SLC-ek