Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Minister’s keynote speech
The Coatbridge campus of New College Lanarkshire recently welcomed a talk from a Scottish government minister.
Shirley-Ann Somerville delivered the keynote speech earlier this month as part of a college development network conference.
Scotland’s new minister for further education, higher education and science visited NCL for the event which was called Essential Skills for Education and Employment.
More than 160 delegates were selected to attend from selected charities, schools, colleges and agencies from throughout the area.
Airdrie mum-of-two Michelle McCuaig had an informal chat with the MSP and shared her experience as a mature student who studies accountancy at NLC.
The 31-year-old said:“The minister was really down-to-earth and she put everyone at ease. I was selected because I’m a class rep. It’s been great being back at college and I’m glad to have found something that I enjoy.”
The Scottish Government’s definition of essential skills includes literacy, numeracy, communication, problem solving, employability and team working and Ms Somerville said: “Essential skills make individuals enterprising, adaptable and resilient.
“They are at the core of our entrepreneurs, our innovators and our critical thinkers.
“These are the types of skills that will make applicants stand out in today’s job market.”