spring 2013
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New Faces of Motherwell College Launch 2013 Prospectus Following the success of last year’s campaign to recruit students to promote Motherwell College, the newly chosen faces of Motherwell College - Tracy Cox, Lauren Macaulay, Blair Robertson and Reece Anderson – unveiled the launch of the College’s 2013 Prospectus. Promoting their College, four students were chosen by the public after weeks of campaigning by candidates. Having put themselves forward for the competition during the College’s Refreshers’ Week, the students will have to get used to seeing their faces splashed across Lanarkshire. Leading the campaign, Marketing Manager Lisa Parr said: “Our campaign focused on the students and who better to promote the College than the students themselves. “We began the process during Refreshers’ Week and were overwhelmed by the great response we had. Students and staff identify with real students showcasing what the College has to offer. Our new Prospectus captures the confidence and uniqueness of each of the students and their individual personalities. The students will be at the forefront of all College promotional events and we are thrilled to have them on board.” Speaking of the competition, one of the winners, Tracy Cox, who is undertaking a PDA in Education Support, said: “I’d never done anything like this before, and who knows, if I can do it, others might be encouraged to come to College too.” The new faces will now be splashed across all advertising and promotional materials, so for your chance to see our ambassadors ‘like’ us on Facebook and follow our growing number of followers on Twitter.
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Students to Design and Construct on Ravenscraig Pioneering Project begins in Lanarkshire’s Ravenscraig Motherwell College students have begun a unique project which will see first and second year students design and construct a real and innovative home on Lanarkshire’s landmark site, Ravenscraig. Built on BRE’s new Innovative Park, Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology students at Motherwell College are commencing work on designing a flexible and environmentally sustainable home on the new landmark site. The Curriculum House will be built by Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology (CAADT) and Construction students from the College’s Engineering department and will be a showcase for sustainable design, construction and use. Speaking of the announcement, Computing, IT, and Creative Industries Lecturer Michael McGuire said: “To design and construct such an innovative building within our local community is an incredible opportunity for our students.” “Staff and students from Motherwell College will be undertaking every aspect of the design project and putting their skills to the test. Our focus is to give students the skills and knowledge needed in the industry and to equip them to drive the sector forward as construction standards constantly evolve.” Providing students with real world construction knowledge, backed up with industry leading CAD skills which are needed in today’s marketplace, is the focus of the CAADT course at Motherwell College. Aidan Skiffington, an HND Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology student, said: “This is a great opportunity to create a sustainable design from start to finish. To think that our designs today will be a home for a family in the future is a great experience to be a part of whilst studying at College. I’m looking forward to seeing the full developments of the site as the project progresses over time.” The design has been achieved through functional design principles, focussing on a calculated approach to zone dimensions, location and orientation as well as optimising glazing areas to maximise solar heat gain. While the course encourages students to experiment with new building systems, the students have decided on a traditional timber frame construction technique which is in keeping with current industry practice and skills. Smaller structures, yet to be developed on the site, will see the students experiment with new and more untried systems as part of their course. The information collected will be used by the HND students in the years to come, with the new intake of students and our industry partners gaining an insight into the project as it happens. The home will become a real live test and demonstration facility for both teaching and monitoring of low energy design and construction. And of course, the challenge will be for the new students to improve upon the design and construction systems and raise the bar set by this year’s class. Matthew Smith, Head of Computing, IT, and Creative Arts, said: “This project will give our students the chance to gain hands on experience on site. From design to construction, Curriculum House will embrace sustainability whilst ensuring a flexible home that will meet the needs of future generations.”
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Michael McGuire, lead partner on the Curriculum House, meets Scottish Minister
Scottish Housing and Welfare Minister, Margaret Burgess MSP took a visit to the BRE Scotland Innovation Park last month. The Park is a mini-community of demonstration homes and buildings that will be used to shape future housing in Scotland. It is based at Ravenscraig, the former steelworks site in Lanarkshire, which is currently undergoing significant regeneration. The Minister met Michael McGuire, lead partner on the Curriculum House, which will be designed and constructed by pre-apprentice and apprentice students from Motherwell College’s CADD, Architectural Design and Construction courses. Speaking of the event, The Minister said “What I’ve seen here is an outstanding example of innovation and partnership working in practice, delivered on a site that will stimulate greater engagement with both industry and individuals interested in learning about, assessing and demonstrating new technologies and building designs. Over the next two years a total of ten full scale homes and buildings will be constructed on the Park. They will demonstrate indigenous designs, materials, techniques and technologies that will address the major challenges faced by the local and global built environment.
06 Texas & Primal Scream Manager Lectures Motherwell College Music Students GR Management’s Rab Andrew, who is responsible for managing Primal Scream, Texas, Kassidy and Gun amongst many others, gave the NQ Rock and Pop and HNC/D Music students of Motherwell College an in-depth guest lecture on the Music Industry recently. Having managed hugely successful acts in four different decades within the music industry, Rab gave an insight into what he feels the students should expect to be faced with, after completion of their course. Afterwards he said: “The music students are very keen and thrived on learning about the business. I tried to get them thinking about the different ways and avenues they could pursue in having a successful career in music. They were fascinated about the fact that Texas and Primal Scream have had success for over twenty years, having both released earlier this year.” Rab continued: “The music courses at Motherwell have a very good reputation and it’s good for the students to hear the points of view from someone like myself and judging by their reaction they will put the knowledge to good use.” Motherwell College’s Music department were awarded Best Music Course in Scotland at The Scottish New Music Awards. The students achieved widespread national press attention after being the first ever group of people to perform at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling.
St Mungo’s High Students Racing for Their Place on the Grid Motherwell College’s Department of Automotive Studies are sponsoring a team of pupils from St Mungo’s High School in Falkirk, to compete in the National Regional Final of the Formula One in Schools Competition. Motherwell College’s sponsorship includes donating Team Forza their protective clothing and any expert advice they may need during their preparations for the competition. Team Forza, meaning force in Italian, is made up of Blair Munnoch, Daniel Casey and Nick Mayor. The Formula One inspired educational challenge has captured the imagination of Team Forza. They have created their own Formula One Team, which is commissioned to design, construct and race the fastest miniature Formula One Car of the future. The team has to create a pit display for the Regional Final and showcase their work in developing their race car, with a verbal and written presentation for the judges. The team then races their model car on a specially designed 20m test track. Robert McMillian Head of Department for Automotive Studies at Motherwell College, said: “This Formula One Schools challenge is a great opportunity for the pupils to gain technical and educational skills but gives them a chance to expand their own life skills too which will be invaluable in their future careers. We wish them every success in the competition.” The winners of the competition will represent their country in the World Final in Austin, Texas. In addition to this, the UK runners up will receive tickets to the 2013 Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
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Game, Set & Match Partnership initiative between Motherwell College and the Tennis Foundation is working towards a legacy in Further Education. Legacy is a bit of a buzz word in sport, after the successes of the Olympic Games. But a legacy can be so much more than the facilities and buildings which are left over from big ticket events. It should lead to increased numbers of people participating, competing, volunteering and coaching. A recent partnership initiative between Motherwell College and the Tennis Foundation is working to ensure that our legacy in Further Education includes the successes of high profile Scottish players, like Andy Murray. As part of an Action Plan drawn up between Sports Lecturer, Elaine Thom, and Mike Cohen, the Tennis Development Officer, Elaine recently took 10 HNC Sport students through the Tennis Leader qualification. This brought over £500 of mini tennis equipment into the College from the Tennis Foundation. From the course, one of the students, Scott Kelman was identified and has taken up the role of Tennis Ambassador for Motherwell College. Scott’s role involves promoting tennis to drive increased participation among staff and students. Scott says: “It’s a great opportunity for anyone who has never played before and would like some coaching, or for those who want to make up a four and just play.” For anyone interested in taking up Tennis, come along to Ravenscraig on a Wednesday lunchtime between 12.00 and 1.00pm with coaching available. The Tennis Foundation is covering the cost of court hire to get us started - so best of all it’s free!” To Book contact Scott on scott.kelman@ outlook.com
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Junior Genius Project in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council and Motherwell College Pupils from nine primary schools in North Lanarkshire and students from the HND Computer Aided Draughting and Design course at Motherwell College participated in a very successful and innovative Junior Genius Project. P2 and P3 pupils from each school were encouraged to apply creative thinking to design a new product that they believed could become a real product. Motherwell College students were tasked to develop the products from each school based on the original sketched designs created by the pupils. The students used advanced Computer Aided Design skills to further develop each design and produce manufacturing drawings and functional animations of the product. The students then used Rapid Prototyping technology to turn the 3D CAD models into physical prototypes. All of the designs, ideas and prototypes were showcased at an awards ceremony held at Motherwell College. Pupils and staff from the nine schools as well as parents, students and officials from North Lanarkshire Council were invited to celebrate the creativity of the young people. Barry Skea, Curriculum Leader for Creative Industries said, “Providing our students with the opportunity to be involved in such a creative and innovative project was very exciting. Our students were given the chance to work with a school pupil who was very demanding and precise in what they wanted for their product. They were also given the chance to present and showcase their skills in design in front of a large and knowledgeable audience. The smiles on all of the faces at the awards ceremony were a measure of the success of this project.�
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Trade Taster Programmes
Motherwell College successfully completed the next Morrison Trade Taster Programme, in January. These courses are a fantastic way to build experience and gain new skills which may ultimately lead to employment. This year at Morrison’s Annual Apprenticeship Awards, two out of the four main prizes were given to apprentices from Motherwell College which had previously attended Morrison’s Trade Taster Programmes. Gillian Neil landed the Overall Apprentice of the Year title at Morrison’s Annual Apprenticeship Awards. Gillian was recruited directly from the Trade Taster Programme, along with Jonathan Ryan, a 1st Year Apprentice of the Year who was recruited as a Plastering Apprentice. Gillian continues to do her off-the-job studies at the College in the Electrical Installation section. The continued success of the Trade Taster and Second Chance Programmes allow local people to develop their skills which could lead to employment. The programmes allow those facing barriers to employment to acquire new skills and experience to enable them to find suitable employment, education or training.
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Opportunities in Offshore Wind Energy Presented at Motherwell College Symington Group Guest speaker, Ronnie Quinn of the Crown Estate, presented the latest lecture for the Symington Group. The Crown Estate is the body which takes responsibility for land once owned by the Crown, generating revenues each year for Parliament. This encompasses the seas around our shores as well as areas stretching into the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In Scotland, the lead in Offshore Wind Energy is Ronnie Quinn and he was delighted to accept an invitation to speak to Engineering staff and students about Britain’s current position in Offshore Wind Electricity Generation, and the job opportunities this generates. In an hour long lecture, Ronnie explained that the UK was a world leader in Offshore Wind Generation and this is expected to increase with figures due to be disclosed within the next few weeks. Job opportunities fell into two main areas, developing new Wind Farms and the maintenance of existing equipment. The long term future for anyone engaged in this industry was good, with the financial reward considerable. The session concluded with a question and answer session. An impressive number of questions were forthcoming and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks from Stephen Heggie and a presentation from the Head of Engineering, Danny Shearer. Ronnie has since thanked the College for the reception he received at Motherwell, commenting on the quality of the students that the Engineering Section was attracting. And with more than 70 people in attendance, the latest Symington presentation has been another successful and inspiring event for staff and students alike.
Blantyre Soccer Academy Team Up with Motherwell College Blantyre Soccer Academy launched a partnership with Motherwell College to recruit young students who are studying sports. Working with the students, the Soccer Academy will assist in mentoring them through their coaching skills and SFA badges. The partnership will allow students to work alongside experienced coaches, gaining both the knowledge of the game as well as developing their social and communication skills by working with the children within the Academy from the age of 3 to 11. The Academy has previously found this to be a tried and tested method. Over the past year, they have worked with young volunteer coaches from the local high schools and colleges, many of whom have went on to achieve their SFA coaching badges and more recently been honoured at the prestigious Saltire Awards ceremony for their work within the voluntary sector. Lesley Craney of Motherwell College, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to show exactly what they can achieve and also giving something back to the community”.
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Music Students Working Together Motherwell College Music students held a successful event with Cumbernauld College’s Film and Sound engineering students, by running a Jools Holland style event at the Cornerstone House Theatre, in Cumbernauld. The HND Music students were filmed performing on three different stages at the event, before being broadcasted live on Cumbernauld College’s Radio station. The students are now working together to compile a DVD of the event, set for release later this year. It has been an extremely busy year for the HND Music students, who are gearing up to perform on top of Princes Mall in Edinburgh on the 30th March. They are also beginning preparations for their end of year showcase event in the legendary King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on the 3rd of May.
New Courses Introduced by Hospitality and Professional Cookery The College is offering a range of practical taster courses for young people to break into Hospitality and Professional cookery. The new programmes, which will run throughout the year, will give young people an insight into working in a real customer environment. As part of the new course, students will learn about the safe preparation and service of food, gaining invaluable experience in a live café in Cambuslang. In addition, these courses will include the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene and BIIAB Scottish Licensed Premises Staff qualifications – advantageous to potential employers. Head of Department for Hospitality and Professional Cookery, Garry Allan, said: “These courses are a great opportunity for young people to get a taste of working in the industry, whilst gaining invaluable experience in a business. “Scotland’s booming tourism industry needs skilled and trained staff to ensure we deliver the highest of standards and our courses are designed to equip young professionals to excel in the industry.” The New College Learning 12-week programme is available to those 16-24 years, with openings throughout the year. It is a bursary funded programme and a recognisable articulation pathway into full time courses in Hospitality and Professional Cookery at Motherwell College.
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Stars of River City Meet Motherwell College Students Gary Sweeney and Paul-James Corrigan, who play Gabriel Brodie and Stevie Burns respectively, attended the launch of Project Search and met with College students. Project Search is a one year education transition programme which provides training and education for students with learning difficulties to help them into employment. As well as NHS Lanarkshire, partners include North Lanarkshire Council and Motherwell College and this launch follows a successful project in Wishaw General Hospital. Lorraine Scott, who oversees Project Search on behalf of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “It was tremendous of both the actors to take the time to come and speak to the students. “The students really appreciated it as demonstrated with the number of questions asked. “What came across was the actors’ determination to succeed in their chosen profession which is a message that won’t be lost on the students as they start out in their own working lives.” She added: “I would like to thank all the partners who have been integral to Project Search’s success such as SERCO at Wishaw General, hotel services at Monklands and all the managers who have been behind the mentoring programme.” The Monklands launch came as the Project Search initiative at Wishaw General Hospital was given an award to celebrate the fact all eight of its 2011/12 students went on to secure employment. Two former students from the Wishaw site took time to praise the project. Michelle McHugh, who now works with Keep Well in Law House, said: “The course really opened doors for me and as well as a job, I also have a lot more confidence.” The Search model was also launched on the Hairmyres Hospital during September 2012 with partners including South Lanarkshire Council, Motherwell College and ISS facilities.
Business Students Raise Funds for Neonatal Unit through Entrepreneurship Administrative and Business students recently presented a cheque to Sheila Miller and staff at Wishaw General Hospital’s Neonatal Unit in Lanarkshire. The entrepreneurial students raised £173 by setting up a Company as part of their Enterprise course. Aptly named, Simply Love, students sold Valentine’s Day treats packaged in stylish boxes to staff and students across the College. Pictured here are Amy Sneddon, Oanh Nguyen, Jacqueline Device and Linda Reid along with Lecturer Mike Stevens, who organised the event . To date, the Business Department has helped students to raise more than £600 pounds for various charities in Enterprise activities so far this session.
13 RBS IT Modern Apprenticeships Partner Motherwell College RBS have chosen Motherwell College to provide Modern Apprenticeships to their new IT trainees. The project was in the planning stage for most of 2012. RBS started the recruitment process in the autumn and the first 10 trainees started in January. The training consists of a four week induction course at the College, followed by one day per week of day release over a period of two years. As well as that, each trainee will also complete their work based SVQ in Information Technology Professionals. The project is on-going and RBS plan to recruit their next group of trainees to start in September 2013. Matthew Smith, Head of Department, said “We are delighted to be working on such an important project for a company like RBS and we will continue to work together to ensure the training is a great success”.
Colleagues Hold Charity Quiz Night in Memory of John Johnston Learner Services staff held a Charity Quiz Night in the College Atrium on Friday 15th March, in memory of John Johnston, Funding and Welfare Adviser. In addition to the Quiz, live entertainment was provided by talented staff and students, with all proceeds going to Comic Relief. To date, £260 has been collected in John’s memory and has been donated to the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS). Staff are also taking part in next month’s ‘Kilt Walk’ from Hampden Park to Loch Lomond and hoping to continue to raise funds in memory of John, a wellloved and respected colleague.
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Motherwell College Hosts Scottish FairTrade Event Following the recent news that Scotland has become a Fair Trade Nation, Motherwell College invited Fair Trade representatives to the College to speak to students about their work. Talks were given by Henry Kalomba from the National Smallholders Farmers’ Association Malawi (NASFAM) and Howard Msukwa, a rice farmer from Mwenewisi, TA Kilupula, in the Karonga district of Malawi. Scotland is only the second nation after Wales to achieve Fair Trade Nation status, with campaigners putting the achievement down to decades of work. All of Scotland’s cities have Fairtrade status, while more than half of the country’s local authorities can also boast about being Fairtrade. Henry spoke to students and staff about NASFAM where he started work as an Agribusiness Development Advisor back in 1998, working with rural farmers to develop commercially viable group businesses. The organisation has now grown to more than 108,000 individual registered members - the largest smallholder farmers’ association in Malawi. Howard Msukwa, a Malawi rice farmer, spoke to the attendees about producing rice and the direct benefits his community has experienced thanks to the Fair Trade relations built up in Scotland. Speaking about working to secure a fair price for rice, Howard said: “Getting a fair price has allowed us to build better houses, educate our children and develop our country’s future. “I have built a new house with solar power, paid my children’s school fees and invested in farming equipment and supplies, ensuring food security for my family.” Lecturer Eileen Imlah, who represents the College on the Motherwell Fairtrade Steering Group added: “Our event has been a great success and showcased the impact that Fair Trade directly has upon farmers and their communities. “We are delighted to support Fair Trade and to increase awareness within the College’s community as part of a Fair Trade country.”
Congratulations to the Inau of the BA Business Manage
The first group of degree students have successfully completed their partnership between Motherwell College and Edinburgh Napier Unive
Students who achieve the Diploma in Management or similar program College. 14 students passed the BA which included six with Distincti credit to the students who are all part-time and studying in the evenin
One of the students, Greg Fleming, stated: ‘I started my Diploma in M this was the start of my further education and journey towards achiev
“Both courses have taught me a lot about management and leadersh supportive throughout. They have offered good tuition and additional Management course was a challenge, but the modules covered really and have created opportunities that I firmly believe would not have be recommend this course to anyone interested in management, and to management role.”
The Graduands will graduate at Edinburgh Napier on 27th June and c students.
ugural Graduands ement
BA Business Management course which is a ersity.
mme can study for the BA at Motherwell ions. This is a remarkable achievement and ng.
Management in 2008 at Motherwell College, and ving my BA Business Management.
hip principles and the College have been support at all times. The BA Business y set me up for the life in the world of business een available without this qualification. I would anyone who wants to move into a leadership/
congratulations to each and every one of the
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New Motherwell College Courses in Partnership with Edinburgh’s Napier University
Motherwell College is to offer four new degree level courses in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University. The new courses are designed for those interested in pursuing a Computing Degree and a future in Information Technology. The partnership established with Edinburgh Napier University will allow students the opportunity to begin their Computing degree studies at Motherwell College before progressing onto Napier to complete their studies. Head of Department in Computing, IT and Creative Arts, Matthew Smith, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to pursue a career in Information Technology. “In the first two years, we aim to provide students with the teaching and resources they will need to progress to the third year of their Degree. Building stable foundations and equipping students with the necessary skills needed in this competitive and rewarding industry will ensure we are developing Scotland’s talent.” “This is an excellent opportunity for school leavers or anyone with an interest in Computing studies to gain an insight into the industry before embarking on a career.” The following courses are being offered: • BSc (Hons) Interactive Media Design (Incorporating HND Interactive Media) • BSc (Hons) IT Management (Incorporating HND Interactive Media) • BEng (Hons) Computing (incorporating HND Software Development) • BEng (Hons) Computer Security & Forensics (incorporating HND Networking)
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Beauty Students Win NHS Campaign Motherwell College students scooped three prizes at NHS Lanarkshire’s Smoke Free Campaign. Motherwell College won 1st, 2nd and 4th places in NHS Lanarkshire’s current health promotion, a ‘Smoke Free Campaign’. As part of the campaign, NHS Lanarkshire were looking for students from the Beauty Therapy departments of the four Lanarkshire colleges to take part in a competition to design a ‘face’ to represent the Campaign. NHS Lanarkshire wanted a positive face, one which was colourful and eye catching. The entries had to be displayed on a person’s face or mask. There were no restrictions on the materials that could be used. Jacqui Dysart, Smoking and Tobacco Development Officer for NHS Lanarkshire said “I was so impressed with the standard of entries that came from Motherwell College. The students really understood the brief we gave them. Their entries really grasped the concept of our campaign.” 1st place winner Emma Samson (Lanark), 2nd place winner Amy Sommervile (Wishaw) and Caitlin Campbell (Motherwell) 4th place winner were all highly commended for their entries. Their photos will be made into posters, stands and fliers to promote the NHS campaign, before being taken into schools and colleges to highlight the problems associate with tobacco. Photographs of Motherwell College entries were taken by Beth Mulvey, a Photography student at Motherwell, Jacqui commented ‘the quality and depth of the photos really made the entries stand out against the other three colleges.’ Jane Crowe, Motherwell College’s Curriculum Leader for Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing said “I am so proud of our student’s hard work and determination. To win three prizes shows how much the students enjoyed this challenge. It is a fantastic opportunity for the students to work with other departments as it helps to enhance their skills. I look forward to seeing the campaign being rolled out and we hope we can work with NHS Lanarkshire again.”
World of Work Update
Skills and training vital to provide springboard
A new plan to help attract more people to work and develop further skills has been launched b Ewing.
With 2014, when Scotland will host the Commonwealth Games a new people into the sector and developing good leaders are indu Plan supports the National Tourism Strategy (Tourism 2020, The F
The plan has been developed on behalf of the Scottish Governme with industry partners Scottish Tourism Alliance and the Tourism S
Consultations with tourism employers, stakeholders and partners • improving management, leadership and enterprise in the sector • ensuring staff have the skills to deliver a high quality visitor expe • raising the attractiveness of the sector to new entrants • ensuring the availability of appropriate and high quality training
Discover more about Scotland’s tourism skills priorities – downloa http://www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/content/tourism-skills-investment
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d for Scotland’s tourism sector.
k in Scotland’s tourism sector by Tourism Minister Fergus
and the Ryder Cup fast approaching, getting ustry priorities. The new Skills Investment Future of Our Industry, In Our Hands).
ent by Skills Development Scotland, working Skills Group.
s have identified four strategic skills priorities: r erience
ad a copy of the Skills Investment Plan at: t-plan-scotland
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Aspiring Young Chef Wins Gold at ScotHot Awards
Scott Robertson receives recognition from Albert Roux OBE
A young chef from Motherwell received gold from his idol Albert Roux at the Young Scottish Hotelier & Restaurateur Awards recently. Currently working in the Hilton Hotel Bellshill, Scott Robertson beat off stiff competition from around the UK to be crowned Junior Original Pasta champion by the legendary chef, Albert Roux. Scott, who is currently advancing his skills in professional cookery with the College’s Level 2 City and Guilds Professional Cookery course, juggles part-time work as a chef in the Hilton Hotel and is looking for a career in the hospitality industry. Receiving his award from the internationally renowned chef Albert Roux OBE, Scott said; “Albert is the Godfather of cooking and to receive this award from someone whom I respect and admire is a great honour. “I aspire to learn from Albert Roux and hope to reach his level through hard work and determination. In this profession, you are constantly learning and by coming to College I have been able to enhance my skills and learn new techniques. Scott’s pasta dish was judged to be the best by the industry’s body, ScotHot which aims to support the next generation by recognising rising stars in the hospitality, tourism and catering profession. The twenty-one year old from Motherwell said: “There are a lot of job opportunities in Scotland as the burgeoning tourism and hospitality sector continues to grow. “Cooking in Scotland gives you the opportunity to use the freshest of produce, locally sourced ingredients and freshly caught fish and, though I’d like to travel in the near future, getting my apprenticeship in Scotland is a great asset to any chef looking to start out in the industry.” Speaking of Scott’s achievement, Head of Department Garry Allan, said: “The College's professional cookery course has an enviable reputation and is producing home-grown talent. “Scott’s recent success is a triumph for him personally and a great reflection of the high calibre of training our courses offer at College. Chefs from all over the UK and Europe compete in the culinary competitions, which are judged by the country’s leading chefs, many of whom hold Michelin Stars. To be named a champion by Albert Roux, the first restaurateur to gain three Michelin stars is an honour and I am sure Scott has a bright future ahead.”
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Health & Safety News Anthony Nolan For the past three years, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have been heavily involved in a partnership with Anthony Nolan, the blood cancer charity. Over that time SFR have recruited over 4,000 people onto the Anthony Nolan register, giving people with leukaemia a better chance of finding a match and ultimately a chance of life. Out of that 4,000 people recruited, 6 have gone on to actually donate their bone marrow and save the lives of 6 critically ill people. Anthony Nolan recently changed the age criteria for joining the register from 18 – 40 to 16 – 30. The reason for this is that a high percentage of matches come from young males aged between 18 and 30, however they only account for 12% of the register. It is hoped that this move will improve the quality of the register and improve patient outcomes. With that age range, colleges are an ideal place to try to recruit volunteers for the register. On Tuesday 12th February, SFR came into college to host an information day providing staff and students with information on the process and they returned on Wednesday 20th February to sign students up to the register. A total of 119 students joined the register – a fantastic number. Andy Watt, Group Commander with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said: “77 young males joined our register, with the majority of matches coming from the demographic required. However, they currently only account for 12% of the register. We are delighted with the numbers raised. We do not want to exclude young females as they too could potentially be a match.” “Should any students go onto donate their bone marrow, we will be able to tell you.” Thanks to everyone who helped promote this event – and more importantly, to the students and staff who took the time to join the register.
Blood Donation Service The Blood Transfusion Service was back in college for their annual visit at the end of October and were delighted to welcome 56 volunteers and collected 43 units of blood.
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Drama on the Street If you’re a fan of Coronation Street you will know all about Fiz suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning over the festive period. But did you know that in real life, that happens all too often. Despite the dangers posed by CO poisoning, 43 per cent of the public do not get their gas appliances checked regularly and one in 10 has never had any checks. To avoid falling victim to dodgy gas work like Fiz, follow Gas Safe Register’s tips: • Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fix, fit or maintain your gas appliances – it’s the law and will keep you safe. • Recognise the six symptoms of CO poisoning. These include headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness. • Don’t assume your gas appliances are safe – get these checked and serviced regularly to ensure they continue to work properly. • As a second line of defence buy an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you to high levels of CO in your home. You can buy an alarm from £15 at a DIY store, supermarket or from your energy company. The Gas Safe Register (which replaced Corgi a few years ago) worked with the producers of Corrie on this storyline and have set up the following website for further information. www.staygassafe.co.uk
Occupational Health Drop a Glass Size in 2013!
A campaign encouraging women to ‘Drop a Glass Size’ in 2013 has been launched by Health Secretary Alex Neil. As part of the campaign, which also includes a national roadshow, a new ‘drinking mirror’ smart phone app has been developed to show people the shocking effects of regularly drinking too much. The app is free until the end of March and will show users that cutting down a glass size can have a significant effect on the ageing process. • Latest figures show that around 38 per cent of women regularly exceed daily or weekly sensible drinking guidelines, by drinking more than 2 to 3 units a day / 14 units a week • The number of alcohol-related deaths among women aged 30-44 has doubled in the last 20 years • The chronic liver disease and cirrhosis death rate among 30-44 year old women in Scotland has trebled since the mid to late 1980s The campaign encourages women to think about the health effects of regularly drinking above the recommended alcohol guidelines. Making small changes, such as alternating alcohol with soft drinks or water and having two alcohol-free days a week, can lead to big health improvements. For more information about sensible drinking and the ‘Drinking Mirror’ smart phone app go to the Drink Smarter website. Should anyone wish to discuss any aspects of this issue, in total confidence, please do not hesitate to Occupational Health Advisor, Jane Close on 01698 232699.
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Human Resources News Enhance Your CV with CPD Opportunities Now Available
Microsoft Specialist The College is now offering Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) courses in Word 2010 and Excel 2010 to any member of staff who wishes to develop his or her skills and knowledge. MOS courses can also be offered in Access, PowerPoint and Outlook. The attraction of an MOS course is that each application is individually certified, so staff can pick and choose which areas may be of most use to them, without having to undertake courses in the full range of Microsoft applications to have their skills recognised. These are valuable courses and enable staff to demonstrate their effectiveness in using ICT. Any member of staff is welcome to enrol and to do so, you should complete a CPD Request in the normal way. The College has a site licence for the exams, so there is no additional cost involved in these courses and access to online materials. There is also a facility to take practice tests. The MOS courses will be supported by limited teaching and study support and all courses will run subject to sufficient demand. Our intention is that initial skills assessments and teaching support will take place on a twilight basis between 4.15pm and 6.15pm and it is anticipated that around 12 hours’ formal input would be required to achieve each MOS application. These are very valuable and externally recognised qualifications, presenting a good CPD opportunity.
Mental Health First Aid The Department of Care will again be running this very worthwhile course over four Wednesday afternoons, commencing on Wednesday 24 April. All sessions will take place from 1pm until 4 pm and the other dates are 1st, 8th and 15th May. Participants must attend all four sessions as this is a certificated course. The MHFA course continues to be popular with staff and is a good way to develop your awareness of mental health. It will also equip you with the skills and knowledge to be able to recognise mental distress and to provide initial support. An outline of the course is available here: www.motherwell.ac.uk/courses/mental-healthfirst-aid As before, places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis on submission of an approved CPD Request.
21 Motherwell College staff could save over £900 per year on childcare costs Are you missing out? What are childcare vouchers?
Childcare vouchers are a government initiative to help working parents pay for registered childcare.
How much can I save?
Childcare vouchers work through salary sacrifice and they are taken from your salary each month before your usual tax and NI contributions are deducted so, each year, you could save:
Employee Savings
Up to but not exceeding £42,475 (Basic Tax Rate) Save: £933 Greater than £42,475 but less than £150,000 (Higher Tax Rate) Save: £623 Over £150,000 (Additional Tax Rate) Save: £606 And if both parents claim, that can be over £1,800 a year – enough to pay for a great family holiday.
When can you use them?
Childcare vouchers can be used to pay for more than just nursery fees. You can use them to pay for childcare and kids activities up to 15 years old. This includes: • Out-of-hours school clubs • Sport, music and drama lessons • Holiday clubs or schemes • Activity holidays • Certain elements of Independent school fees And what’s more, you can now make your money go that extra mile with exclusive discounts on kids’ activities, such as PGL, Explore Learning and Barracudas. To find out more visit: ww.uk.benefitsrewards.sodexo.com/discounts
For more information:
Contact Gillian McLean, Payroll Administrator, on 01698 232265 or email her at gmclean@ motherwell.co.uk
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Prison News HMP Dumfries STIR
Prisoners at HMP Dumfries contributed a significant number of artworks and written pieces to the prison arts magazine STIR. HMP Dumfries had no fewer than nine entries accepted and reproduced in the magazine. The most impressive of which was the centrefold picture entitled “Female and Male Koy Carp”. The painting itself is a design for a tattoo, however, we think it is an excellent standalone piece of art work. Well done to Willie, the artist!
HMP Glenochil
On 21st January, twelve creative writers from Harviestoun Hall were treated to a visit by Falkirk Author Alan Bissett. Alan is a veteran of four fast-paced and sharp-witted novels and numerous other writing projects, including music collaborations, short stories and stage plays. And that’s not all, as Alan is also an actor. He read and performed from some of his work, which is written mainly in Scots vernacular, and initiated an enthusiastic discussion about the writing possibilities we all possess, concentrating specifically on how we each have our experiences and language to draw upon. Spontaneity in writing and not planning too much was recommended so not to stifle it was also a theme.
HMP Greenock
New Drama Project
With the help of Emma Hagen, a drama therapist, the Learning Centre is running a new drama course that is looking at the ‘super-hero’ within. There was a taster workshop in December, which was well attended by the women and now the course has started its 6 week pilot. The aims of the project include: • To enable students to consider what personal positive qualities they admire in others and then to explore those strengths in themselves. • To enable students to imagine how they might behave in various real or imagined situations with those personal qualities and to practise this in drama exercises. • To facilitate students sharing their experience with others and supporting an evaluation of the project through a range of creative means.
HMP Shotts
Etty – A Play for Holocaust Memorial Day
The American dramatist, Susan Stein, visited Shotts and performed her adaptation of Etty Hilesums diaries. Esther “Etty” Hillesum was a young Jewish woman whose letters and diaries, kept between 1941 and 1943, describe life in Amsterdam during the German occupation. They were published posthumously in 1981. Susan put on two performances, one for mainstream and one for protection. The performances were well received and attended by about twenty prisoners at each one. The play explored themes such as betrayal, family, mental health, hatred, relationships, shame and the strength of the human spirit amongst others. The performances were very intense and the discussions that followed were interesting and insightful. The prisoners reacted well to the performances and it was clear they had been engaged by the subject matter. The event is a first class example of the creative arts being used as a vehicle for reflection and introspection. Staff also attended and were moved by the performances and will subsequently carry out activities in their classes related to the performances.
23 HMP Barlinnie
Barlinnie Radio’s First Broadcast After months of hard work by students the pilot radio programme has been launched. The hour-long magazine style programme features interviews and commentary from Barlinnie. Special guests have included Paul Jones of Manfred Mann, who spoke about his life and career as well as top tips from experts from across the Prisons. A competition to name the radio station was announced, with the winner yet to be announced. Most recently, the radio announced the “legends” slot which is a chance for prisoners to write and discuss their legend on air. From producing to writing content, the students have been working exceptionally hard, with plans in place for their next broadcast.
HMP YOI Cornton Vale Reader in Residence
HMP Low Moss Burns Supper
Staff and students organised our first annual Burns Supper. As part of the Low Moss Events Committee, working right across the establishment, over 30 prisoners and 8 invited VIPs enjoyed a fully catered event and were entertained by staff and students alike. Recitals of poetry, songs and music were very much appreciated by the audience. Over 40 pieces of creative writing, on the theme of Robert Burns were displayed on wall. The Immortal Memory and Address to the Haggis were delivered with style and humour. The event was a great success and enjoyed by all.
Paul Brannigan BAFTA award-winning actor and previous Motherwell College student, Paul Brannigan, recently visited Low Moss to talk about his life and work. Paul was being interviewed by students for the arts magazine STIR. He gave an incredibly moving and powerful interview which will be featured in a subsequent edition of STIR.
Poet Anita Govan visited the Learning Centre in January. She is the current Stirling Makar as well as Cornton Vale’s new Reader in Residence. Anita kick-started her time here by performing poetry in the halls to promote the Taking Liberties project that she is facilitating alongside Wendy Miller, our Creative Writing Lecturer. The women were hugely inspired by Anita’s energetic performance and many have signed up to participate in the project. Anita’s role is to promote reading and writing within the prison and she’s also encouraging women to become performers and explore the living language of contemporary poetry.
Glasgow Women’s Library – Reading Circle The Glasgow Women’s Library held their first Reading Circle of 2013. Supported by Carol Irvine, our Communications Lecturer, it was an evening to remember. The first half of the session focused on the subject of sectarianism, tying in with Show Racism the Red Card. This theme was supported by the reading of a Joan Lingard’s novel which examines sectarianism in Ireland, along with two poems looking at sectarianism from a female perspective. The group had a lively debate which highlighted the fact that sectarianism is not just about Catholic and Protestant religions, but also reflected in the struggles between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims. The group used articles from the Herald newspaper to prompt discussion on the new investigative body into Sectarianism in Scotland, readers brought along items they have been reading recently, sharing their own reading tastes and inspiring others to try something new.
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From January to Easter, the Carbon Campaign will be focusing on reducing electricity consumption throughout the College site. At the moment, the College consumes on average 2,637,344 kWh per annum which if you want a comparison is around the equivalent of 549, two bedroom houses! To help reduce this, the College has committed to changing 700 50w bulbs to 7w energy saving bulbs across the site, reducing the energy consumption of these lights every hour by 85%. The Estates Department have already purchased and begun changing these lamps, so hopefully we will see the benefit soon. We will also be conducting energy audits around the College, noting all areas where lights, printers etc are left on after hours and reporting the findings back to staff. So to avoid your room being included on the audit list please switch off all electrical equipment at the end of each class. As well as reducing electricity in the College, it would also benefit you to monitor your consumption at home. You will be amazed at how much energy you can save by doing just simple things. You won’t just save money but you will also be doing your bit for the environment by reducing carbon emissions. A few ideas are listed below: 1. Turning your washing machine down to wash at 30˚C instead of 40˚C could save up to 40% of energy on your wash cycle, reducing costs. 2. Why not change to energy saving light bulbs, they produce just as much light as a standard bulb, last up to 10 times longer and use up to 80% less electricity = lower bills and lower CO2 emissions. Low energy bulbs typically save £7 per year in each light fitting. 3. Turn off electrical appliances at the plug - don't leave them on stand-by - this wastes energy and costs money.
Remember every little helps!
If you have any ideas, initiatives you would like raised with the Carbon Team, or would like to get involved in the Carbon Campaign, please drop me a line at carbon@motherwell.ac.uk. And please be sure to check out the College Green Wall which is situated just past ML One. The Carbon Team will be meeting soon, if you have anything you would like discussed or would like to get involved please drop me an email at carbon@motherwell.ac.uk.