5 September 2007

 

MSP LEARNS MORE ABOUT LOCAL SCHOOLS’ SKILLS INITIATIVES

 

Maureen Watt MSP, Minister for Schools and Skills, met with representatives from NAFC Marine Centre and local teachers to find out more about the Scottish Progression Award (SPA) in Aquaculture and the Skills For Work (SFW) in Engineering - partnership projects developed between NAFC Marine Centre and local schools to give students relevant hands-on experience. 

 

Both courses, recognised by the Scottish Qualification Authority, operate on a day-release basis where successful applicants attend the NAFC Marine Centre for a full day every fortnight (Aquaculture) or a full day each week (Engineering).  The Aquaculture course runs throughout 3rd and 4th year while the Engineering course is for 4th years.

 

Aquaculture co-ordinator Kenny Gifford explained more about the course:

 

“It is combination of field trips and hands-on experience which is then followed up in the classroom.  Students have the chance to get out in boats to visit salmon and mussel farm sites as well as visiting fish processing plants and hatcheries.  We aim to give them a real insight of the industry, including enterprise and employment prospects. The students from last year’s course went on to various marine based jobs and some, in fact, are taking further courses at the college.”

 

Commenting on the Engineering SFW course co-ordinator Duncan Kidson, added:

 

 “The Engineering SFW Course will give students a good grounding in Engineering Hand Skills, Electrical/Electronic & Fabrication skills. It should also help the students decide if a career in Engineering is for them. The course is intended to be completely based in the workshop which should help to make an easier transition from school to work and equip them with Employability Skills as well as being a rewarding and interesting experience.”

 

NAFC Marine Centre is one of only a few institutions in the UK that offer training facilities for these particular awards and the professional level of learning and support facilities provided by the centre have been praised by teachers. 

 

Patrick Robertson, Guidance Teacher at Scalloway School, who presented information on the project to the Minister on Friday, said:

 

"This is a great opportunity for pupils considering a career in this area to gain appropriate hands-on experience in a vocational setting.  NAFC Marine Centre is a very useful local resource and it’s great to be able to work in partnership with them to broaden students' skills and give them a more rounded educational experience."

 

Representative from NAFC Marine Centre, Saro Saravanan, who also met with the Minister added:

 

"The Education minister was very impressed by the partnership between NAFC Marine Centre and the Scalloway school, the delivery of the courses, and their resulting success in developing skills and confidence among the secondary students in preparation for the world of work.”

 

Places are limited each year so students must attend an interview to assess their interest in the areas.  This year’s successful candidates from Hillswick, Brae, Aith, Sandwick and Scalloway will embark on the courses today.

 

Further information from:

 

For further information please contact: Kenny Gifford, Aquaculture Development Manager, NAFC Marine Centre, tel: 01595 772408 or email:

For further information please contact: Duncan Kidson, Engineering Section Leader, NAFC Marine Centre, tel: 01595 772223 or email:

Or, Jacqueline Sutherland, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465 or email