08
AYRSHIRE UPDATE
Ayr students Win scottish FinAl oF uk’s
lArgest trAde competition
Ayr College Construction students Darren Gray
and Kyle Law have won the Scottish final in
Brickwork and Carpentry at SkillBuild – the UK’s
largest multi-trade competition.
The competition, which is managed by CITB, the
Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board
for the construction industry as part of its ongoing
work to bring new blood into the construction
industry, is an annual event that sees budding
construction trainees pitted against each other in
their specialist skills.
JAmes WAtt students
success in money
For liFe chAllenge
Darren who is employed by George Holland said,
“I was over the moon to be competing in SkillBuild
UK and it was great to show the judges what I can
do. Kyle who works for Lowdermilk Contracts said,
“Winning the category was a real honour and
makes all the hard work I put in worthwhile.”
Construction Curriculum Manager, Jim Bennett
said, “Both Darren and Kyle deserve every success
that comes their way as they have both worked
hard to get where they are. We are all very proud of
their achievement and know that they have a bright
future ahead of them in the construction industry.”
James Watt College NC Business and
Accounts students have won the
National Finals at the Money For Life
Challenge in Edinburgh with their JWC
Money1 project. This outstanding
achievement to win from a total of 250
teams from across Scotland reflects
the dedication of the team.
Money For Life is a national
competition, encompassing four
regional competitions with one key
theme – the promotion of financial
literacy and capability for young
people. Team working, engaging with
a variety of stakeholders, utilising social
media and innovations were just some
of the key aspects that the teams were
Darren gray
Kyle law
asked to focus on to successfully
complete the challenge.
Paul McLaughlin, Curriculum Manager
commented “The students showcased
the project on stage to their
competitors and key stakeholder
groups, as well as being interviewed by
the judging panel. The judges added
that the project was not only the best
in terms of scope, focus and the use of
social media, but that the enthusiasm,
knowledge and passion of our
students sealed the win.”
James Watt College will represent
Scotland at the UK Grand Final in
London in May.
connor eArns royAl seAl oF ApproVAl
Aspiring chef and Kilmarnock College student Connor Norris was recently invited to
join a team of hospitality students and top chefs at Dumfries House, Ayrshire, as
they prepared a selection of canapés and starter dishes for HRH Prince Charles
when he paid a visit to the estate.
The teenager – who has previously completed the ‘Get Into Hospitality Programme’
with staff at the stately home - helped to cook and serve up a collection of dishes to
the Prince. And the 17-year-old certainly earned the royal seal of approval for his
work after Prince Charles took some time out to congratulate him.
A delighted Connor said: “It was an absolutely brilliant experience, and Prince
Charles spoke to me just like any other person would. “It was great getting to meet
him, and the day really showed me that I definitely want to continue down the path
of training as a chef.”
AYR COLLEGE
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Ayr KA8 0EU
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