Posted: Friday 11 May 2012
Computing Students Develop Waste Reduction Website
Two talented students from Kilmarnock College have built and designed a website aimed to help reduce waste in East Ayrshire.
Zero Waste - a project which helps educate communities on how to recycle - appointed HNC Computing (Software Development) students, Alistair Collins and David Hunter, to help design and develop a website for the pioneering new project.
The skillfull duo began working on the innovative new website in November 2011, implementing skills and expertise developed from their studies. The pair worked closely sharing techniques and knowledge gained in their software development classes which form part of their HNC Computing FT programme.
The aim of the Zero Waste Volunteer programme is to help householders to reduce their domestic waste by eliminating food waste, composting at home, reducing unwanted mail and recycling. The Zero Waste Plan sets out the Scottish Government's vision for a zero waste society.
Ian Parker, Volunteer Coordinator for Zero Waste, said: "I needed a web site and a volunteer forum for my volunteers and Alistair and David agreed to design and build them for me.
"They followed my request for a clean and uncluttered web site to make it easily accessible for potential volunteers to show them all they need to know to join us.
"Our new web-site shows Alistair and David's professionalism in understanding my needs, working with me through the project and giving training and documentation for me to take the site forward."
Julie Maxwell, Head of Care, and Education & Business Services at Kilmarnock College, said: "This has been a fantastic project and learning experience for both students.
"I worked closely with Alistair and David through-out the development of the site and I was extremely impressed with the students work ethos. In addition to their computing expertise, the students developed project management, team working and communication all very important essential skills required by employers within the IT industry.
"I look forward to seeing the site go live and hope to work with Ian again in the future."
The website - which sets out to educate East Ayrshire and attract volunteers - can be accessed at www.volunteereastayrshire.org
For further information on courses available at Kilmarnock College please call 01563 523501 or visit www.kilmarnock.ac.uk.
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Ballantyne, Beattie Communications, 01698 787859/sarah.ballantyne@onlybeattie.com
Lisa McCafferty, Beattie Communications, 01698 787849/lisa.mccafferty@onlybeattie.com
Scotland's Colleges Annual Awards 2011 - Winner of Public Value Award.
