Looking back at why we all #LoveScotlandsColleges
College staff, students and partners from across Scotland took to social media recently to say why they love college.
As part of a sector wide campaign called #LoveScotlandsColleges, staff, students and other stakeholders were encouraged to get online and talk about why colleges are important to them. From St Andrews day, Monday, November 30 until Friday, December 4 people all over Scotland were sharing their reasons for loving Scotland’s colleges.
Over the duration of the week there were more than 1,600 mentions across social media using the #LoveScotlandsColleges with the posts being viewed more than 4.5 million times.
One student from West Lothian College, Adam Warnock, who studies NQ Creative Industries, spoke about what he loves about his college: “I love college because it gives you that freedom to express who you are as an individual, you can go and find anything you want to do and just do it. Yeah, you’ll need to work for it but the harder you work the better you will succeed in life so college helps you get to where you want to go.”
Jackie Galbraith, Principal of West Lothian College commented: “Colleges are crucial to their students, communities, partners and staff. The week really did showcase all the amazing things that happen both at West Lothian College and across the college sector on a daily basis, highlighting why we #LoveScotlandsColleges.”
Julia Simpson, Learning & Development Officer at West Lothian College tweeted: “As an employee @WestLoCollege I love how valued I'm made to feel. Knowing my role makes a difference to others I work with, in addition to networking and promotion of the college more widely. I've developed both professionally and personally as a result #LoveScotlandsColleges”
In a video made especially for the week, Jim Johnstone, Head of Communities and Social Impact at Morrison Construction said “We love working with West Lothian College because they are a valued partner of ours.
Through our partnership we are creating tomorrows talent pool which allows our supply chain to engage with the college whilst looking to fill any vacancies that they have.
We are looking for an innovative and inspiring partner and we have that in West Lothian College. Long may this partnership continue for the benefits for the local community and the local people attending the college. That’s why we love West Lothian college and Love Scotland’s Colleges!”
Jim Metcalfe, Chief Executive, College Development Network, said:
“Our colleges are at the heart of their communities, helping students to achieve their future goals; businesses to survive and thrive; regional economies to strengthen; and they are also helping Scotland to build a sustainable, net zero future. The #LoveScotlandsColleges campaign has shown us how people all over the country celebrate what the sector does.
“Colleges will play a vital role in supporting Scotland’s economic, social and educational recovery – supporting industry to rebuild and re-engage its workforce, maximising employment opportunities for our citizens, and addressing the mental health and wellbeing of our communities.”
It has been an especially tough year for everyone but the week really did shine a light on how we, and all colleges, have adapted during the pandemic to support all our stakeholders.”
Watch the highlights video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msA2RNrUrN4