Ayrshire College shortlisted at college awards
Ayrshire College has been nominated in two categories at the college sector's main awards ceremony.
The College Development Network (CDN) College Awards celebrate the talent, skills and achievements of Scotland’s colleges, their staff and learners.
Ayrshire College is a finalist in the 'Employer Connections' and 'Innovation' categories.
The 'Employer Connections' nomination is for the College's ongoing partnership with Taylor Wimpey West Scotland. The housebuilder launched an Apprenticeship Academy with Ayrshire College as part of its drive and commitment to invest in young talent.
Taylor Wimpey West Scotland worked with lecturers at Ayrshire College to create two bespoke courses for 2020/21 - the Taylor Wimpey Training Academy courses in Joinery and Bricklaying.
Ayrshire College's Head of Construction Technology, Trades, Motor Vehicle and Horticulture, Cameron Bell previously said about the partnership: "These courses demonstrate the commitment of both organisations to help young people develop the skills required for a successful career in a thriving business.
"Ayrshire College has a vision to raise aspirations, inspire achievement and increase opportunities for all of Ayrshire’s communities and this partnership is undoubtedly a significant milestone in achieving this ambition."
The 'Innovation' nomination is for Ayrshire College's #PassingPositivity campaign, particularly its Sport & Fitness department's physical activity initiative, Mental Health United.
Students developed the initiative to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of the students, staff, and wider community within Ayrshire, in partnership with the Kris Boyd Charity.
#PassingPositivity started as a one-day event aimed to raise awareness of the benefits that physical activity can have on a person’s mental health.
Since then, free weekly football, dance, and multi-sport groups have been made available to the Ayrshire public at Ayrshire College in partnership with the Kris Boyd Charity, KB9 Academy, Vibrant Communities, East Ayrshire Active Schools, and Ayrshire Sportsability.
A college-wide charity single has also been produced for #PassingPositivity, written by an Ayrshire College music student and recorded by an ex-student alongside former Britain's Got Talent winner Jai McDowall.
James Adams, Head of Learning and Skills for Sport & Fitness at Ayrshire College, said: "The issue of mental health is of critical importance and our staff and students are doing what they can to make a difference to their communities. Rightly this ground breaking initiative has received a lot of publicity including winning the prestigious International Green Gown Award and being shortlisted for the College Development Network Awards, but the key thing is we keep doing what we can to make a difference to the people who matter most."
10 September 2020
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