Donation secures enhanced training for college apprentices

2nd March 2017
Graham McMonigle

Modern Apprentices from New College Lanarkshire are set to benefit from a generous donation from a local security company and partner.

Cumbernauld-based VWS Ltd has donated state-of-the-art equipment to assist and expand training for students on the Electrical Fire and Security Modern Apprenticeship programme at the College’s Motherwell Campus.

The local company, which has supported the apprenticeship for over ten years, has donated four IP HD cameras, two wireless links and a POE network video recorder – valuing over £1,000.

Pictured from left to right – Christopher Scott, Technical Manager at VWS; Sean Malone 3rd year apprentice at VWS; Derek McInally New College Lanarkshire; and Lindsay Wilson, Operations Director at VWS.

The donation will allow apprentices to learn about the installation of wireless links – a skill that hasn’t previously been covered in the curriculum due to lack of training equipment. The introduction of this advanced skill will put apprentices at the forefront of industry and the latest technology.

David Scott, Curriculum and Quality Leader in Built Environment and Securities at the College, said:

“VWS Ltd has supported the apprenticeship for over 10 years and the majority of those that completed the Modern Apprenticeship continue to work with them to this day.

“The company has a fantastic relationship with its staff and apprentices which is evident from its employment retention.

“Without the support of partners like VWS the apprenticeship wouldn’t be able to continue to improve and adapt to current trends. Free equipment like the wireless links are vital to the continued development of our curriculum and we can’t thank them enough for their kind donation.

Operations Manager of VWS, Lindsay Wilson, said:

“During our long relationship with the College our trainees have be very lucky to have been taught to a very high standard and this is reflected in their high quality of work that they display on a daily basis – whether out in the field or in a classroom environment.

“When the opportunity was presented to us we were more than happy to donate the equipment allowing the students to work with the latest IP CCTV and wireless technology.

“We at VWS Ltd will look forward to working with New Lanarkshire College for many more years and share in the teaching success of the Electrical Fire and Security Apprenticeship program.

“We would like to thank everyone involved for providing a first-class course that will shape the engineers for the future.”

The Modern Apprenticeship has previously welcomed 15 employees of VWS Ltd for training and up skilling. Two are due to begin the programme in August.

For more information on New College Lanarkshire’s Modern Apprenticeship offering, visit: http://www.nclanarkshire.ac.uk/courses/modern-apprenticeships.