Posted: Wednesday 26 May 2010

Inspirational business woman visits local college

Personal Empowerment Zone (PEZ) students at Kilmarnock College were recently inspired by a visit from a local property millionaire who spoke to the students about their aspirations and ambitions for the future, and revealed some of the secrets behind her success.

The 52 students on the two year PEZ course were visited by Marie Macklin, chief executive of the Klin Group, a local property investment and development enterprise. The visit was arranged by Kilmarnock College as part of the PEZ programme, designed to improve young people’s confidence and make them aware of the opportunities available to them.

Marie Macklin commented: “It was a real pleasure to meet the students of the PEZ Course.  We discussed their aims and aspirations for the future which were interesting, unique and fresh. We touched on many issues including the regeneration of Kilmarnock, politics, music, arts and even football, all of which have a vast impact on the local economic climate."  

"A programme like PEZ is the way forward for our local school leavers, who are the future backbone of this community and the PEZ students can count me in with their future plans. They were a highly motivated group of students, and are a credit to Kilmarnock College and East Ayrshire.”

Marie was so impressed with the students, and the ethos behind the PEZ course, that there was even discussion around the possibility of the use of one of the Klin Group’s buildings as a base for developing entrepreneurial skills over the next two years. Fiona Walterson, a member of staff at Kilmarnock College, arranged the visit and was impressed with Marie’s commitment to the students, as well as her frank approach. Fiona commented: “The students found Marie’s speech very interesting and they were very enthusiastic about her visit. She touched on issues that they could relate to, such as being bullied and struggling when she was younger. Marie’s determination to succeed is a fantastic inspiration for young people and has definitely inspired an entrepreneurial spirit in our students.”

PEZ is a six month course that aims to build confidence and self esteem in young people between the ages of 16 and 25. The students participate in a range of activities that boost their core communication, problem solving and teamwork skills, with the aim of preparing them for full-time college courses or employment.

During the course of her visit, Marie Macklin presented a cheque for £500 to the students to put towards their Rob Roy Challenge fund. The 12 hour Rob Roy Challenge begins in Drymen on Saturday June 19 and finishes in Kenmore. The staff and students involved will run for 16 miles and cycle for 39 in aid of Marie Curie Cancer, Sightsavers, The Prince’s Trust and PSYBT.

For further information on the PEZ course, or any other courses available at Kilmarnock College, please contact 01563 523501 or visit the courses section.

Photograph (Courtesy of the Kilmarnock Standard): Marie Macklin with PEZ students. 

-END-

For more information, contact:

Ross Henderson, Halogen Communications, (T) 0131 202 0120 (F) 0131 225 3757 (E) ross@halogencom.com

<  Return to news