Latest news with #CertificateofAchievement
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
The Future is Golden: Walker's Shortbread celebrates first apprentice graduation ceremony
Walker's Shortbread celebrated the graduation of its first-ever apprenticeship cohort with a special ceremony at Aberlour House. The event recognised the dedication, achievements, and personal growth of seven apprentices over the past year. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Walker's Shortbread celebrated the graduation of its first-ever apprenticeship cohort with a special ceremony at Aberlour House. The event recognised the dedication, achievements, and personal growth of seven apprentices over the past year. Launched in 2024, the apprenticeship programme reflects Walker's commitment to investing in young, local talent and bridging the gap between education and meaningful employment. The initiative encourages an inclusive, supportive environment where apprentices are equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in their careers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Each graduate received a Certificate of Achievement, presented by Nicky Walker, Managing Director of Walker's Shortbread. The ceremony featured inspiring speeches, reflections from the apprentices, and words of encouragement for the graduates' bright futures. From left to right, [back row] Paige Reid, Martha Morton, [middle row] Caitlyn Constantine, Aryn Folkard, [front row] Aarryn Dunn, Bobby Clark, and Jon Smith. Over the past year, the apprentices gained hands-on experience in their respective fields, which include IT, HR, Finance, Production, Maintenance, and Reception. Through collaborative workshops, tailored mentorship, and structured learning pathways, the programme forms the foundation for the apprentices to progress into successful careers. Speaking at the ceremony, Nicky Walker, Managing Director of Walker's Shortbread, said: 'At Walker's Shortbread, we take pride in nurturing young talent and creating opportunities and pathways for the next generation of workers in the north of Scotland. Our programmes were offered in a wide range of roles, from finance and administration through to engineering and production. 'The apprentices have brought fresh ideas, energy, and enthusiasm and this ceremony is a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of their contributions. We look forward to seeing all they accomplish as they progress in their careers.' Reflections from the Apprentices Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The apprentices also took the stage to share their experiences and highlight the impact the programme has had on their personal and professional development. Martha Morton, Finance Apprentice, reflected on her journey: 'The apprenticeship programme has been an incredible experience - I couldn't have asked for better. It's allowed me to discover my passion for finance, while developing valuable skills. The interactive workshops are insightful and provide fantastic opportunities to connect with fellow apprentices. 'It's inspiring to be part of a programme that invests in young people and creates opportunities for careers in Scotland. I feel motivated and fully prepared to achieve my future goals.' Shaping the Future of Scottish Talent Looking ahead, Jill Armitt, Head of HR, announced the next cohort of apprentices will begin workshops in September. The focus will include key areas such as Health and Safety, Grounds, and Production. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Applications for 2026-2027 will open during Scottish Apprenticeship Week in February/March.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
97-year-old Holocaust survivor's wish of attending college comes true
Holocaust survivor gets her "Golden Wish" to attend college in the Bronx Holocaust survivor gets her "Golden Wish" to attend college in the Bronx Holocaust survivor gets her "Golden Wish" to attend college in the Bronx Tuesday was a day to remember for a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor who got to live out her dream of going to college. Jacqueline Kimmelstiel was quick to become popular during her first and only day at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. She instantly became a favorite among her teachers as she took part in one-on-one lessons learning poetry and French. She also became an honorary captain for a basketball scrimmage, later jokingly admitting that sports were not her favorite. "No, no, no, not so much. No. I mean, I'll tell you the truth, so I'm not gonna lie," she said. Her day as a University of Mount Saint Vincent student was completed by receiving a Certificate of Achievement from Susan Burns, the school's president. Senior facility played a huge role in Kimmelstiel's big day Kimmelstiel was able to see her dream come true, thanks to RiverSpring Living, her home senior facility. Wendy Steinberg, the facility's chief communications officer, said RiverSpring launched a new program called "Golden Wishes" to help many of its residents achieve or participate in things they didn't have a chance to do during their younger years. "We ask them, what did you never have the chance to do? What did you never experience? And for Jacqueline, it has always bothered her that she only went to school until age 12. So we said, you know what? We can make this happen," Steinberg said. College for a day turned into a family affair Kimmelstiel was unable to continue her education due to being forced into hiding while moving throughout France. She later came to the United States in the late 1940s and worked as a seamstress. She also ended up meeting her husband, who was at Auschwitz. Kimmelstiel's grandchildren, Jonah Kimmelstiel and Rebecca Kevelson, joined her for her day as a college student. "Education was always something that was very important to our grandmother. Both her sons, my father and our uncle, became medical doctors. And all of us, you know, went to college and beyond professional school," Jonah Kimmelstiel said. For Kimmelstiel's grandchildren, being able to watch the 97-year-old achieve so much in one day was an honor. "Having gone through the horrors of what she and our grandfather went through as Holocaust survivors, and now she has four great grandchildren and a college degree, is almost really special," Kevelson said. Although Kimmelstiel was a student only briefly, she said she yearns to learn. "How wonderful it is to be so well liked, and all these beautiful things. And, I know that my late husband would be so proud," she said. You can email Erica with Bronx story ideas by CLICKING HERE.
