Posted: Tuesday 1 June 2010

Local Students Receive Tools For The Trade

Kilmarnock College recently held its annual John Mather Charitable Trust Awards ceremony recognising the hard work of over 70 students and awarding them with grants to help them buy tools and equipment that will assist them in the workplace.

Past and present students from various curriculum areas collected awards sponsored by the John Mather Charitable Trust, which was set up to help young people and students in the West of Scotland to progress in their chosen careers. The event was attended by students and guests as well as Mr Bill MacKay from the trust, who presented the students with their awards.

Heather Dunk, Principal and Chief Executive of Kilmarnock College commented: "Every year since 2006 the John Mather Charitable Trust has given the College a sum of money which has been used to purchase tools and equipment for students who have gained employment or started up their own businesses. A special thanks goes to the employers who help us support these young people in their training, including GE Caledonian, Highspec Engineering, Parkhead Welding and Mahle. We would like to wish all of these past and present students well in their chosen career and congratulate them on their success."

Among the students was Brian Gibson (18) from Kilmarnock, one of the 21 Engineering students from the College who have found full-time employment this year. Brian progressed from Kilmarnock College's Skills for Work programme into a full-time apprenticeship with Smillie and Cuthbertson. He is currently studying HNC Fabrication, Welding and Inspection at the College on a day release basis and has also signed up to complete a SVQ Level 3 Fabrication/Welding course.

Alasdair MacKenzie, from Smillie and Cuthbertson said: "Brian has shown great potential in the time he has been with Smillie and Cuthbertson and we are delighted that his ability has been recognised by his tutors with the presentation of a John Mather Award. We look forward to supporting Brian throughout his apprenticeship with the valued contribution of Kilmarnock College."

Brian added: "After leaving school I knew I wanted to pursue engineering as a career. I was fortunate to secure an apprenticeship with Smillie and Cuthbertson and I recognise and appreciate the opportunity I have been given by Alasdair Mackenzie. There is no doubt I have been able to progress to this stage due to the ongoing support of Kilmarnock College and I am delighted to receive a John Mather Award."

For further information on the John Mather Trust or any other courses available for study at Kilmarnock College, please contact 01563 523501 or visit the courses section.

Pictured - Mr MacKay and Heather Dunk, College Principal, alongside students from various curriculum areas.

Notes to Editor

John Mather was born in Glasgow on December 17, 1936. After leaving school at the age of 16 he took up employment with the Clyde Navigational Trust. John worked his way up the ranks and became Chairman of Clydeport. Before he died John Mather left most of his wealth to a Charitable Trust to be used to help young people and students in the West of Scotland to progress in their chosen careers.

-END-

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

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