Graduation

More than 200 students have been honoured at West Lothian College's annual Graduation Ceremony. This year's event was particularly symbolic as the College marks the 10th anniversary of its Almondvale Campus in Livingston.

As well as hundreds of proud family and friends, students were also treated to an inspirational speech from Robin Iffla, Director of Robin Iffla Training. Following Robin's inspiring words Mhairi Laughlin, Principal and Chief Executive of West Lothian College addressed the students - who have all successfully completed SVQ, HNC, HND and professional qualifications.

Amongst the students honoured there were some remarkable stories of individuals who achieved success in challenging circumstances. The College recognised these achievements with special awards.

Special Awards

Louise Todd - HND Childhood Practice

Six years on from enrolling at West Lothian College, Louise Todd is now well on the way to landing her dream career. Through hard work and commitment, she has managed to hold down two jobs, while progressing her studies in her chosen field of Childcare. Staff at the College have been so impressed with her dedication, they have nominated her for an SQA Award.

Louise, from East Calder, began her studies in Childcare back in August 2005, coming to College as a school leaver. She completed Intermediate 2 Care Issues for Society...Childcare and HIgher Early Education and Childcare before successfully gaining employment as a play worker in a local after school care club. Then, building on the on-the-job experience she was gaining, Louise opted to continue her education by embarking on an HNC in Early Education and Childcare, which was taught as a part time evening class. Advancing to an HND in Childhood Practice at West Lothian College, Louise continued to hold down her job and even took on another role as Manager of a local playgroup.

Louise who is now 22, felt the course she had studied at West Lothian College really equipped her for the world of work:"Everything at College was really practical. When I got a job I immediately started using the things that we had learned. My ultimate ambition is to be a speech therapist fro children. Since leaving West Lothian College I've continued to keep the two jobs and I've also enrolled in an open learning degree programme at Dundee University. I'm working toward a BA in Childhood Practice in my free time at the moment. After completing that, I'll look for a post graduate course in speech therapy."

Sarah-Jane Baxter - HNC Engineering Systems

Sarah-Jane Baxter has successfully overcome various challenges to complete an HNC in Engineering Systems and is now continuing her study at Napier University. Her performance during her time at College has prompted staff to nominate her to receive and Outstanding Personal Achievement Award.

Sarah-Jane enrolled at West Lothian College in 2009 and lecturers admit she was not your average Engineering student. Entering what is still very much a male dominated environment would be challenging for any female, but as a young mother, for Sarah-Jane the focus was always on success. Gordon Weir, Lecturer at West Lothian College, commented: "Sarah-Jane's idea of what it meant to be a full time student was always going to be a bit different from her class mates. But as a woman in a very masculine environment she always held her own and indeed excelled to be top of the class.

Sarah-Jane who is now 28, went back to College after being made redundant from her previous job as a Credit Controller. While it was a really difficult time for her, as she was 7 months pregnant when she lost her job, Sarah-Jane recognises tthat without this happening she wouldn't now be on the path to a career she loves: "It was just incredibly hard to be facing unemployment with a newborn child on the way. But I knew it was also a good time to change tack. A friend of mine had been studying Engineering and I thought it sounded really interesting; I did a bit of research and discovered the opportunities were so vast it could be a good option for me.

"In the class itself I did feel a bit different, not only because I was the only female in a group of 17 but also because I was a bit older than everyone else. I did make some great friends on the course though actually I now want to become a lecturer at some point. Gordon and Graham, who taught us, were really excellent. They were so approachable and helpful - in fact I've been back to ask for advice on some of the university course work I've been given since start at Napier. They really helped me achieve my full potential at College and were very understanding and flexible when it came to my baby daughter, who was really small when I first started."

Sarah-Jane, from Livingston, is currently in the second year of BSc Engineering with Management at Napier University. She plans to continue with a Postgraduate from Moray House, allowing her to enter Further Education as a lecturer.