Hive of industry in the heart of Marr College
Skills Academy launch
Four businesses are now being run from WITHIN Marr College.
Green- fingered pupils are growing and selling plants and veg, a beauty salon is getting those glossy nails perfect and a bike repair company is keeping wheels moving.
Dozens of fourth year pupils at the Troon secondary now “work” for the firms.
Marr Skills Academy has managed to get over £ 18,000 funding to launch.
It follows the setting up of a catering company called Creation Station which now bakes, sells and serves to pupils, staff and guests.
Part of the College grounds are now a nusery, complete with poly tunnel.
Potatoes are among this year’s crop which will be sold.
Boiler- suited boys are now developing nursery knowledge with the Marr Grows rural skills firm.
A classroom is the setting for the girls as it is transformed into a pop- up beauty parlour.
They have all the kit within the “Style and File Nail Bar” to provide a high standard of manicure.
Headmaster G e o r g e Docherty lead the launch of the Skills Academy last Friday.
He said: “The Academy offers real skills for work and life.
“It also allows the school to access local employers and business groups.
“We hav e
Mar r Grows, Style and File Nail Bar and Spokes cycle maintenance which will enhance qualifications.
“I am immensely proud of each and every one of them.
“Behind the success of these initiatives lies a dedicated group of staff.
“Stuart McNeill of Developing Young Workforce has been instrumental in establishing the projects together with David Marshall, Ross Connell, Lorna Stevenson, Rae Anderson and Angela Mendy.”
The technical department is turned into the home of Spokes, the bike maintenance company.
A number of new bikes have been bought for practise to develop skills to give old bikes a new lease of life for sale.
Spokes has been helped by the Bike Post shop in Muirhead, and it will benefit financially as the provider of spare parts.
Marr Grows have also had tips from the Troon Alottment Society.
Walter Smith of the Princes’ Trust Ayrshire said Marr was leading the way.
He said: “This is a real success for Marr and we now know it increases employability skills.
“Pupils involved at the Creation Station have now got part time jobs in hospitality because of it.
“Employers now look for young people with more skills and Marr is giving them more confidence and customer skills.”
Claire Baird of Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire has also been a key mover in securing funding and setting up the firms.
The £ 18,000 cost has been taken from miscreants under the Proceeds of Crime Act via the Cashback for Communities scheme.