Thursday 06 September 2007

NEW TERM FOR SCHOOLS’ SKILLS PROGRAMMES
 

The Scottish Progression Award (SPA) in Aquaculture and the Skills For Work (SFW) in Engineering will begin this Friday (7 September) at the NAFC Marine Centre.  The partnership projects, developed between NAFC Marine Centre and local schools, give students relevant hands on experience in these areas. 

 

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 students in their 4th year.

 

Aquaculture Development Manager, Kenny Gifford explained more about the Aquaculture course:

 

“It is a 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 into the industry, including enterprise and employment prospects. The students from last year’s course went on to various marine based jobs and some are taking further courses at the college.”

 

Commenting on the Engineering SFW, Section Leader 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 based in the workshop which should help to make an easier transition from school to work, equipping participants with employability skills and providing them with a rewarding and interesting experience.”

 

Maureen Watt MSP, Minister for Schools and Skills, met with representatives from NAFC Marine Centre and local teachers at Scalloway school last Friday (31 August) to find out more about the partnership and the awards themselves. 

 

Commenting on the meeting, representative from NAFC Marine Centre, Saro Saravanan, said:

 

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

 

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, added:

 

"This is a great opportunity for pupils considering a career in either of these areas 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."

 

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

 

Further information from:

 

Kenny Gifford, Aquaculture Development Manager, NAFC Marine Centre, tel: 01595 772408 or email:

 

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