Plantation college workshops win place in finals of national awards

WORK in one of the most deprived area’s of Lochaber has earned West Highland College UHI a place in the finals of a national award.

The college provides weekly workshops in the Plantation area of Fort William, recognised as an area of severe economic and social deprivation, to help residents get back into work or further education.

Since the project

was launched three years ago, more than 50 people have gained long-term employment and 93 have continued on to courses at West Highland College.

In recognition of this achievement, the Scottish Training Federation has shortlisted the college for its employability of the year award and the results were due to be announced at a ceremony in Crieff last night, (Wednesday).

Nigel Patterson, employment and development team co- ordinator for West Highland College, said: ‘At the start, the workshops were seen by the Plantation community as another example of an agency parachuting in and telling the community how to live their lives and then disappearing at the end of the project funding.

‘By establishing trust and being the conduit between the community and agencies and employers, we are able to support individuals in their chosen journeys.

‘Those enrolling on college courses know that support does not stop when they enter the more formal courses available in the college. We are still there to have a chat and a cuppa, which is often all that is needed to help people stay on track and to succeed.’