Latest news with #WestCollegeScotland
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Landmark Gourock building to be transformed into outdoor learning hub
A PIONEERING project is transforming a landmark Gourock building into an outdoor learning hub for young people. Founder of the award-winning Inverclyde Shed Bruce Newlands is now setting his sights on creating an outdoor community classroom in the former Gourock Library in the Gamble Halls. He has set up charity Creative Regeneration to inspire youngsters with science, arts and heritage in Inverclyde. The team is now hoping to open the hub this summer in a building which has a long tradition for community learning. OTHER NEWS: 'Short-term funding' hurting alcohol and drugs services in Inverclyde, board hears For more than two decades it was home to Gamble Children's Centre - a nursery started started by parents - and before that it was a library, once used by famous late author Iain Banks. Bruce Newlands (Image: George Munro) With some help from West College Scotland students they recently started on work to get it into shape. Bruce said: "We are creating a youth hub to support the local area with STEM subjects and to encourage learning outdoors. "It will be open after school and in the holidays, somewhere for youngsters to come and have fun and learn about the outdoors. "There is so much potential here, we can have gardening, cooking classes, we will have Lego clubs. It is about inspiring our young people. "We are busy getting it up to scratch, putting in planters and we are delighted with the support of West College Scotland as well. READ MORE: Bruce Newlands: Inverclyde Shed founder loves to see transformation "We have been working with primary pupils in schools but this is somewhere they can come outside of school." West College Scotland lecturer Emma Crawford and her students (Image: George Munro) From the base to launch this summer there will be interactive learning activities, a digital fabrication suite looking at 3D printing, AI coding club, Lego and the outdoor growing space. Bruce has teamed up with stained glass artist Alec Galloway, teacher Finlay Campbell, and Lyle Gateway co-ordinator Derek Mitchell to establish Creative Regeneration, which is also has a project at Glebe in Greenock. The new hub will be within the former library and nursery in the Gamble Halls. (Image: George Munro) Up until 2012 it was the Gamble Children's Centre for more than 20 years, which started out as a play group and was then run by parents. Previously it was the old Gourock Library, which was used by the likes of the best selling author the late Iain Banks, who was also famous for his science fiction novels. He said it was where he developed his love of books of all genres, and shaped his imagination. West College Scotland joinery and construction students recently visited along with lecturer Emma Crawford to help out with painting. She said: "It has been a great collaboration and the students have enjoyed taking part in the project. It has also helped towards their volunteering Saltire Award. "This will be a great project for Gourock and we are proud to be part of it."
Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Is the Isle of Arran home to the next Screwfix Trade Apprentice?
Aspiring local carpenter makes it through to the final Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. 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... Isle of Arran-based apprentice Finn MacArthur, aged 22, has been announced as one of the top ten finalists for this year's Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition. Aspiring carpenter, Finn, who is currently studying Joinery at West College Scotland in Paisley, will join nine other trade apprentices from across the UK and Ireland, in a bid to be crowned Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The winner, who will be announced at the two-day final in May, will take home an incredible prize bundle of tools, training and technology worth £10,000 – while also scooping £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for their college. Screwfix Finalist Finn MacArthur Finn began his carpentry journey after attending a careers fair at school and has since gained hands-on experience, working on projects from start to finish while also learning about other trades He has developed a passion for sustainability and creating energy-efficient homes. Once qualified, Finn plans to continue expanding his carpentry skillset and aspires to one day become self-employed. Finn's commitment to sustainability, dedication to learning, and relentless work ethic saw him stand out in the semi-finals, after being selected from more than 2,000 applications. Commenting on the announcement, Finn said: 'I can't believe I've made it through to the finals of this year's Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition. When I submitted my application, I never dreamed I'd make it this far. It's also so exciting to be representing the Isle of Arran at the national final. 'The carpentry industry is highly rewarding to work in, and so to be recognised for my skills and dedication at this level is such a huge compliment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The competition is an incredible opportunity to showcase what I've learned so far, while highlighting the importance of trade apprentices in shaping the future of the carpentry industry – and I'm looking forward to the final where I can take my creativity and skills to a new level.' The final Hosted at Google's UK Office in London on 7-8 May, the competition's final promise to be a challenging yet rewarding experience. The final will offer the top 10 the chance to network and participate in workshops hosted by industry experts and will see each of them interviewed by an expert panel of judges. The judges include representatives from Screwfix, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Screwfix Top Tradesperson Mohammed Rahman. Alongside the interviews, DEWALT will be showcasing some exciting product demonstrations, the team from SITE will be sharing the latest workwear and finalists will have the opportunity to get creative in some team-building workshops. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Screwfix Marketing Director, Jack Wallace shared his enthusiasm for the competition, saying: 'Apprenticeships are vital to the growth of the trade industry, ensuring we have talented individuals entering the workforce with the skills required to succeed. 'The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition is about spotlighting passionate apprentices who are paving the way for the future. We're thrilled to celebrate this next generation of tradespeople. The talent we see is just getting better and better, so I already know it will be a tricky decision for the judges to make on the day. I wish all finalists the best of luck!' The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition celebrates the best new talent in the trade industry. Through events like this, Screwfix aims to inspire and support the next generation of skilled tradespeople, shining a spotlight on the diversity, innovation and rewarding opportunities within the trade sector.
Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Arran apprentice makes final of Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition
An apprentice from Arran has been selected as a finalist in a prestigious national competition. Aspiring carpenter Finn MacArthur, 22, is one of 10 finalists in the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 competition after winning over an interview panel in the semi-finals. Entrants were whittled down from more than 2,000 at the start of the competition and Finn will now travel to London next week for the two-day final hosted at Google 's UK office. The final will offer the top 10 the chance to network and participate in workshops hosted by industry experts and will see each of them interviewed by an expert panel of judges. Finn is currently studying joinery at West College Scotland in Paisley and began his carpentry journey after attending a careers fair at school. He has since gained hands-on experience and developed a passion for sustainability and creating energy-efficient homes. Once qualified, Finn plans to continue expanding his carpentry skillset and aspires to one day become self-employed. Finn's commitment to sustainability, dedication to learning and relentless work ethic saw him stand out in the semi-finals. Commenting on the announcement, Finn said: 'I can't believe I've made it through to the finals. When I submitted my application, I never dreamed I'd make it this far. It's also so exciting to be representing the Isle of Arran at the national final. 'The carpentry industry is highly rewarding to work in, and so to be recognised for my skills and dedication at this level is such a huge compliment. 'The competition is an incredible opportunity to showcase what I've learned so far, while highlighting the importance of trade apprentices in shaping the future of the carpentry industry – and I'm looking forward to the final where I can take my creativity and skills to a new level.' Finn is now in with a chance at winning a prize bundle of technology, training and tools worth £10,000 as well as £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for his college to spend on workshop equipment. Jack Wallace, Screwfix marketing director, said: 'Apprenticeships are vital to the growth of the trade industry, ensuring we have talented individuals entering the workforce with the skills required to succeed. 'The Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition is about spotlighting passionate apprentices who are paving the way for the future. We're thrilled to celebrate this next generation of tradespeople. The talent we see is just getting better and better, so I already know it will be a tricky decision for the judges to make on the day. I wish all finalists the best of luck.' Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
