Perth College graduation ceremony

Sep 26 2008 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Brian Souter: How I juggled family and a job to study

OVER 200 triumphant graduates and their friends and families will gather at a graduation ceremony today to celebrate their qualifications gained at UHI Perth College.

Held at Perth Concert Hall, degrees, certificates and diplomas will be awarded, along with 11 special prizewinners, honoured for exceptional achievement.

Perth College Principal Mandy Exley (pictured below) will deliver an address to the students and congratulate them on their achievements.

Mandy told the PA: “Graduation is the culmination of students’ efforts. We feel proud that our students are equipped with the qualifications, practical experience and understanding to go on and make their mark on the world.”

She added: “The last year has seen considerable investment in the college’s infrastructure. For example, our new learning café in the Brahan building provides a unique learning environment with students and staff enjoying a coffee while, at the same time, accessing library books, newspapers and the wireless network. The hairdressing salon has also had a full refurbishment and is now fully fit for purpose for students and clients alike.

“We have also committed to upgrading information and communications technology software and media equipment to ensure our learners have the most up to date tools to assist in their studies.”

Guest speaker, Brian Souter, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group plc, one of Britain’s largest transport operators employing more than 40,000 people worldwide, admired the calibre of graduates, many of whom juggled other family and job commitments while studying.

Brian said: "I worked as a bus conductor while studying for an accountancy degree, so I can appreciate the commitment that today's graduates have made to successfully complete their studies. They can be proud of their achievement and I wish them well in their future careers."

The college has been praised by education inspectors in a report. Carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), the college was commended for a number of sector-leading and innovative practices.

One of these programmes encouraged learners who had been long-term employed to achieve the skills, knowledge and confidence to gain employment through participation in the college’s ‘health and social care academy’ programme.

A further commendation was awarded for the partnership with Gleneagles within the Professional Chef Award programme.

The final selected sector was a Social and Vocational Studies department pilot project for learners with a diverse range of additional support needs to engage with Tayside Fire and Rescue Service.