School pupils celebrate awards
A s p e c i a l awa rd s ceremony has paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of school pupils studying at West Lothian College.
Over 40 students from West Lothian secondary schools were honoured at West Lothian College’s School Awards recently, including the first in Scotland to achieve Foundation Apprenticeship certificates.
A total of 19 students were among first in Scotland to receive their Foundation Apprenticeship certificates in NC Manufacturing Engineering Level 5 and SVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations.
A further 24 students, who successfully completed their HNC in either Computing or Engineering Systems as part of their senior phase school curriculum, were also honoured.
Both groups received their certificates from Sue Cook, West Lothian College’s Interim Chair of the Board of Governors.
West Lothian College principal Mhairi Harrington said: “Congratulations to all the young people have become the first in Scotland to complete their Foundation Apprenticeships. Each Foundation Apprenticeship has been designed in partnership with industry to make sure that young people get the skills and knowledge they need, giving young people hands-on learning and practical experience of the world of work.
“I’m sure the skills, experience and capabilities they have learned in their Foundation Apprenticeship course will stand them in good stead for a successful future career. I am also delighted to see our second year of HNC students graduating as we aim to provide a broad range of opportunities to ensure our young people achieve their full potential.”
The Foundation Apprenticeship model saw S4 pupils guaranteed a Modern Apprenticeship or progression to further study through participating in an innovative partnership between West Lothian College, West Lothian Council and Skills Development Scotland. Now at the end of S5, the majority plan to continue their studies at school, college or university, with others taking up apprenticeship positions.
Pupils from Armadale Academy, St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, Livingston’s James Young High School and Whitburn Academy have all been involved in the pilot programme. The courses have been especially developed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and experience that they need, and employers want.
West Lothian’s Executive councillor for education Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “Well done to all our school pupils who have completed their Foundation Apprenticeship or HNC course.
“It’s a huge step towards building a positive career for themselves, and their hard work and dedication is to be commended.”
Dylan White, regional manager for Foundation Apprenticeships at Skills Development Scotland said: “The first young people to complete a Foundation Apprenticeship in engineering represents a key milestone in the development of this new workbased learning programme.
“Foundation Apprenticeships introduce young people to the world of work and equips them with the skills and experience to gain accelerated entry onto a Modern Apprenticeship or continue their studies at college or university.
“Foundation Apprenticeships have come a long way since they were first introduced two years ago thanks to the hard work and dedication of young people, colleges, schools and employers.”