College Events
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Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) has created the world’s first ever TikTok prospectus, aimed at helping Gen Z-ers across Scotland make their next steps after taking exams this month.
In recent years, the social media app has exploded in popularity amongst young people, becoming the go-to search engine for 40% of 16-24 year olds - hunting for everything from restaurant and travel recommendations to cleaning or DIY hacks - and now, they can even apply to college.
The College has curated a series of ‘ProspecToks’ that give real-life insight to young people who are considering going to college through short videos on the social media platform, in addition to the traditional paperback booklets.
Given the importance of the social networking app in young people's lives the college is also opening up enquiries via TikTok, with anyone keen to hear more about a course being able to begin their sign-up process by simply sending a direct message to the college before being advised on next steps.
Working with current students to create the ProspecToks, the video prospectus includes Beauty & Make Up, Travel & Tourism, Healthcare, Fashion and Textiles and Business, and shines a spotlight on typical classes, practical workshops, and facilities available at the College.
From ‘day in the life’ style shorts, to videos documenting practical lessons, the College's TikTok prospectus offers young people a window into student life at one of Glasgow’s most popular colleges. Launching today (Tuesday 9 May), the ProspecToks will be rolled out across Glasgow Clyde College’s TikTok account over the next 10 days.
Jon Vincent, Principal said: “We’re very proud of our pioneering approach at Glasgow Clyde College, and are always looking at new ways to engage with young people and school leavers. With so many people using TikTok on a regular basis, it felt like a great opportunity to showcase our college’s offering.
“College is about so much more than just the course you study. We’re lucky to have some really creative students in our midst, and they’ve perfectly captured what a day as a GCC student can look like, from going to classes, workshops and field trips, to even grabbing lunch at the canteen with your friends - all whilst having fun and experiencing life in a busy, bustling city.
“Whether you’re about to finish your exams and are dreaming of becoming a fashion designer or entrepreneur, or are in full-time work and are looking to further your skills, GCC’s vast range of courses can help you achieve your goals.”
Glasgow Clyde College has three campuses across the city - Anniesland, Cardonald and Langside - and has availability for full and part time courses starting in August.
To find out more, please visit https://www.glasgowclyde.ac.uk/fulltime/august-courses
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Join us in the Student Space at Cardonald Campus from 10am-3pm for a day of Recruitment, Careers Support and Professional Industry Talks.
With representatives from: · AMINA
· Barrhead Travel
· Reed Recruitment
· Volunteer Services NHS
· Dunbarton Day Care Centre
· Glasgow Scientific Services
· Skills Development Scotland
· Cairellot Nursery & Cairellot Learning Centre
· SOHTIS
· Lifelink
· Young Scot
· Tinies Edinburgh & Glasgow
Meet Glasgow Clyde College representatives from
· Travel and Tourism
· Science
· Careers
· Marketing
· Access to Education
· Healthcare
· Sport
· Computing
Information Talks @ The Large Lecture Theatre
Talk Time
Name
Company
10:30am
Megan Beattie
Stand International - International Charity Work
11:00am
Edgar Morales
SOHTIS - Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland
11:30am
Olivia Bennett
Glasgow Scientific Services
12:00pm
Lunch
12:30pm
Kyra Martin-Barrera & Margaret Bent
Access to Education
1pm
Gillian McGrane
Nursery Manager Cairellot Nursery
1:30pm
Kenny Park
Travel and Tourism
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HND Industrial Biotechnology and Technical Apprenticeship
When I was at school I really enjoyed science, and I studied Higher Chemistry and Biology. But, after school I chose to study HND Graphic Design at Cardonald College (now Glasgow Clyde College). After this I worked full time in McDonalds for seven years, and became a manager there. It was actually my partner, who was studying a degree in Chemistry at the time, who said I should try going back to college to study science because he remembered how much I enjoyed it when I was at school. I took a chance and decided to apply for the HND Industrial Biotechnology course at Glasgow Clyde College, with the aim of getting into a Technical Apprenticeship programme that was being advertised.
The course co-ordinator suggested that because it had been so long since I had studied any science, that I should do the NQ Applied Science Level 6 course first, even though I was qualified enough to do the HND. This was the best decision because it gave me time to really grow my skills as a new scientist. After that there was a natural progression to the HND Industrial Biotechnology course. This was the best choice for me, as it offered the apprenticeship programme, and the appeal of being able to earn a wage whilst studying was very attractive to a mature student like me. The course also covered such a broad spectrum of subjects that I knew if the apprenticeship programme didn’t work out, I would be able to choose any path because the course would set me up to follow a career in science.
I’m currently doing my apprenticeship with Antibody Analytics, a company based in Motherwell which performs experiments and assays for customers who need investigations conducted to see if their products work.
My apprenticeship started in November 2021 and will finish in November 2023. It’s meant that I do the second year of my HND part-time so that I can work whilst studying. I am now in the second half of my second year so I should be graduating from Glasgow Clyde College in June 2023. Doing the apprenticeship allows me to advance my skills quickly at work. For example, one of my modules is for training, so I am now being put through how to train people when they first come to the company. I also need to submit proof work for things such as reagent prep and microscopy. This will all be very handy if I decide to go on to university as it will be another qualification that I can put onto my CV.
This year I was also selected to take part in the WorldSkills competition, which was great fun. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and network, and to try out new techniques that I had never done before. It is a great thing to add to my CV because people are always interested in what it was and what it involved because not many people have heard of it before, so it makes me stand out from the crowd.
The opportunities presented to me by the College have been fantastic and I can’t thank them enough.
If anyone is thinking about going to college I would say, ‘Just go for it’. I put off going back into education for so long because I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do it, but the support that I received from the College and the lecturers has been amazing. Also the lecturers put as much effort into you as you do to the course, so as long as you try your best, they will be there to help and support you.
I was also quite unwell in 2021, I needed support from ELS because I couldn’t do my exams with the others. They were a great support to me during that time and always checked up on me to make sure I was doing ok. Even a year later when I no longer require their help, they still check up on me to double check I’m ok.
Find out more about HND Industrial Biotechnology and other science courses available here
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This Mental Health Awareness Week we are sharing the following videos, which have been created to help manage different areas of mental wellbeing.
Developing a Wellness Action Plan
By Gemma Fieldsend
During this presentation, Gemma shows us how to use a wellbeing action plan to manage our mental wellbeing and signposts several other resources and support.
Managing stress in today’s world
By Sarah Ashworth
In this session, Sarah explains what stress is, what can cause stress and the potential impact on our mental wellbeing. She then includes some suggestions for maintaining a healthy balance to manage stress successfully.
Mindfulness and staying present
By Kath Caffrey
This presentation will explore how to use mindfulness in a practical day to day way, to stem the anxiety and reduce the tendency to become lost in a spiral of ‘what if’ scenarios that ramp up anxiety and impact negatively on mental health and wellbeing.
Self-care for students with eating disorders
By Gemma Fieldsend
Gemma’s session on self-care for students with eating disorders includes six tips and strategies including staying in wellbeing credit, using the BLAST approach and being king to yourself. This session will be of interest to anyone who is struggling to maintain healthy eating.
Manging the difficulties of working remotely in the current situation
By Kath Caffrey
Kath’s presentation aims to address some of the issues that students might have when trying to focus on work and offers some strategies for managing this in face of the current, unprecedented situation.
Being Kind to yourself
By Penny Aspinall
In Penny’s session, students (and staff) are guided through a range of ways of self-care. This session is designed to meet this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme of kindness.
Adverse Childhood experiences
By Sam Giles
This session is suitable for both students and staff. Sam introduces us to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and how they might impact on our health, choices and behaviours as adults. She also includes guidance on grounding exercises to lower stress levels.
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Throughout November there will be a series of webinars to help staff and students.
Money Advice Scotland
Scotland's Money Charity, Money Advice Scotland will be offering a series of financial wellbeing webinars (35-45minutes long) open to students and staff over the month of November (covering topics such as budgeting, borrowing, cost of living. For further information on the topics covered, date/time of sessions and how to book click here.
Additionally, Money Advice Scotland offer financial wellbeing workshops to classes/ staff groups, covering the following topics:
- Budgeting and money management
- Borrowing
- Financial planning (renting, mortgages and financing a car)
- Work and money
- Cost of living crisis
For further information email: financialcapability@moneyadvicescotland.org.uk
Home Energy Scotland
Home Energy Scotland (The Scottish Government’s free energy advice service) will be delivering two online sessions open to staff and students on how to keep warmer, make the best use of energy and save money on your bills. The webinars take place on Monday 21 November at 10am or 1pm. To book your place complete the Home Energy Scotland's registration form.
The Cost of Living Crisis, Financial Wellbeing and our Mental Health
Is there any getting away from the cost of living crisis? How comfortable do you feel talking about your mental health when it comes to financial stress?
In this webinar, Dr Mike Oliver will explain why it's normal to feel anxious about the situation. We can't change it, but we can suggest practical, positive steps that you and the people you care for can take to help cope better during this challenging time. The two hour webinar will take place on Tuesday 22 Novemberat 12noon.
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Glasgow Clyde College has partnered with the International Tree Foundation (ITF), pledging to plant trees and hedges on its Cardonald Campus over the next three years.
To commemorate the partnership and kick-start the sustainable initiative during Glasgow’s COP26 Climate Conference, a beech tree was planted at the college’s Cardonald Campus and unveiled by Glasgow Clyde College Principal, Jon Vincent, and International Tree Foundation Chair of Trustees, Stephen Vickers.
Jon Vincent commented, “I’m so pleased to be recognising the fantastic work of the International Tree Foundation by planting a tree on our Cardonald Campus. It seems apt that this is taking place during COP26, but it’s also a partnership that will be in place for years to come.”
James Whitehead, CEO, International Tree Foundation said, “There are big commitments being made at COP26. But we are proud to be working with Glasgow Clyde College to do something concrete with the students. This partnership will ensure many trees and hedges are planted in the college grounds over the next three years.
“As well as increasing biodiversity and giving opportunities for education and engagement with environmental issues, this project will make the campus more beautiful and provide a green space that can be so beneficial to mental health.”
Additionally, during the COP26 fortnight, the International Tree Foundation has been planting trees at Cathkin Braes, with the Glasgow Clyde College Horticultural Department lending support and equipment for this green project.
Trees, woodlands and forests are recognised as essential if we are to address the Climate Crisis by reducing damaging atmospheric emissions and are crucial to assist in a recovery for nature.
Image above shows Jon Vincent with Stephen Vickers.
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A young Glaswegian presented with a top award for his horticulture skills is looking forward to enrolling at the further education establishment in August, following successfully completing a Horticulture course for school pupils at Glasgow Clyde College.
Matthew Houston (18), pupil at Rosshall Academy, (pictured above on left with fellow pupil Martin Stewart), won a Lantra Scotland ALBA award which recognised his green-fingered credentials, following a 9-month, day release course at the college’s Langside campus.
The experience was so rewarding that Matthew, who is visually impaired and has autism, now plans to progress to college once he finishes school at the end of June.
During his time at the college, he learnt about planting seeds, growing vegetables, mulching beds and using garden equipment such as leaf blowers and shovels. He fought off stiff competition across Scotland to pick up the coveted title of ‘School Pupil Award’.
Matthew, who completed a National Progression Award (NPA), in horticulture, was one of three Glasgow Clyde College horticulture students given a prize at the Lantra ALBA Awards.
Another Rosshall Academy pupil, Martin Stewart, was commended by the judges in the ‘School Pupil’ category behind Matthew while Natalia Reifart-Bieganowska (33), completing an SVQ Level 1 and NPA at SCQF Level 4 in Horticulture, was runner up in the Horticulture ‘Learner of the Year’ category. Natalia is pictured below.
Derrek Carson, Horticulture Lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College said: “We’re really proud of all our winners this year, it’s a phenomenal result to come away with such great recognition from the judges. “Matthew has been inspirational and it’s lovely that his time with the college is only beginning as he plans to attend another course in the next year academic year.
“Horticulture is a fantastic vocation which not only benefits students who study it, but has a really positive impact on the mental well-being of people and the environment around us.”
National Progression Award (NPA) in Horticulture provides school pupils with the opportunity to develop the basic practical skills necessary to work in the horticulture or landscaping industries.
For more information about studying horticulture courses at Glasgow Clyde College.
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Our HNC Social Services students recently took their learning from the classroom into the Scottish Parliament!
The students' trip highlighted the connection between classroom discussions, social care theories and the working of the Scottish Government.
The students not only enjoyed a tour of the parliament building but also observed the First Minister's questions, a debate and met a minister before returning to the College all in the one day! -
A community project run by Glasgow Clyde College and the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice has been Highly Commended at a national awards ceremony held at the Houses of Parliament.
The ‘Beauty with a Conscience’ social enterprise beat off stiff competition from salons and barbershops across the UK to receive a Highly Commended in the Community Impact category at the Hair and Beauty Community Awards.
Beauty with a Conscience offers high quality, ethical beauty treatments at the same time as raising vital funds for one of Scotland’s most loved charities.
The salon and retail outlet on Battlefield Road also provides valuable on the job work experience for Glasgow Clyde College’s beauty students who carry out the beauty treatments, including manicures and pedicures, eyelash and eyebrow shaping, and make-up and facial waxing as part of its services.
Since its inception in December, the project has already raised a significant sum for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice and is now a central part of the local community.
Julie Wales, Head of Curriculum Hairdressing, Beauty and Complementary Therapies, said: “Beauty with a Conscience is a wonderful initiative that we are proud to be a part of. The opportunity that working within a live retail environment gives to our students is vital in their understanding of the industry and business and what it means to be part of a community.
“Hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons are often at the heart of small communities. It’s great to see them being rewarded for their hard-work and we are over the moon that Beauty with a Conscience has been recognised in the community impact category.”
Ann Loughrey of the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice said, “Beauty treatments can be seen as an indulgence but every single client is contributing to a vital community resource as well. That makes this salon a win/win scenario for all concerned.”
It was revealed Beauty with a Conscience was Highly Commended at a reception at the Houses of Parliaments which was attended by the Minister for Small Business, Kelly Tolhurst, and MPs who were there to learn more about the sectors and the contribution salons and barbershops make to their local community.
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Automotive students at Glasgow Clyde College sped to success after taking part in the Scottish heat of the Greenpower Challenge race day at East Fortune Race Circuit.
Picking up a trophy for third place, the group of 30 students adopted a range of roles from team leaders to pit crew members and mechanics, working together to problem solve, design, assemble and race a green vehicle from a kit provided by the Greenpower Challenge.
Designed to inspire interest in STEM subjects and encourage young people to get involved in engineering through motorsport, this is the first year the College has competed in the competition and already acknowledges the benefits to students taking part in the extra-curricular project.
Stephen Maidment, Senior Lecturer in Automotive Engineering at Glasgow Clyde College who supported students on the day and in the run up to the event, said: “Being involved in the Greenpower Challenge has been an excellent source of additional learning for students. Working on a real-life project creates a greater level of excitement and opportunity to work through problems, experience trial and error and work out where things can be improved going forward.
“Receiving a trophy in our first year of competing is outstanding; we will definitely be competing again next year and hopefully have even more success.”
The annual event sees colleges from across Scotland design, build and race an electric car. The aim of the competition is to build a car which can travel the furthest distance on a single charge.