Cohesion Medical Ltd, a medical software company based in Glasgow, invited West College students to work alongside Company Director Euan Cameron, Business Manager Vicki Perry, and their design team, to produce a Corporate Identity to develop the companies PR.

Emmjane Tibbles, 21 from Stewarton, Kilmarnock, was awarded the project’s first prize, and has been given an offer of part-time employment with the company.

“Working with Cohesion Medical Ltd for my live client brief was a valuable and eye-opening opportunity, and a real boost to my graphic design career. It gave me great experience communicating with clients, creating designs following their desires, and in presenting my work professionally."

"I'm so pleased to have been awarded first place for the brief, and the opportunity to work as a part-time graphic designer with Cohesion is incredible.”

Emmajane studied for her HNC at West College Scotland’s Clydebank Campus, before moving to the Paisley campus for her HND – a testament to the increased scope of the college, and to the benefits of this for students. Emmajane hopes to continue her success, and is applying to university.

“Hopefully this will help with my articulation to University and enhance my CV for future opportunities. I’m very grateful; this has given me a fantastic start to my graphic design career.”

Richard McDonald, 20 from Renfrewshire, was chosen as 2nd place, and thought it was a great experience.

“The experience with Cohesion Medical Ltd helped me develop new skills and being placed 2nd has really boosted my confidence. The Cohesion project will make a big impact on my portfolio when applying to university, really helping my chances. It was a great experience.”

Also receiving commendations were Mark Kane, 20 from Greenock, and Scott Phillips, 22 from Kilbirnie North Ayrshire.

Mark felt his work really benefitted from the feedback from design and business professionals.

“Having the chance to work with Cohesion Medical Ltd was great, I really learned a lot from it. I appreciate the opportunity and the feedback they gave on my work. They liked my work and I was very pleased to be selected as one of the competition winners.”

Scott relished being thrown in at the deep end, gaining valuable professional experience.

“Working with Cohesion Medical Ltd has been a fantastic experience and with a steep learning curve. I’ve gained an insight into how a graphic designer should work within a professional environment.  This opportunity has been invaluable to me and will help me to investigate briefs in the future.”

Company Director Euan Cameron was delighted with the work the students produced.

“We are very pleased with the work, effort and skills demonstrated by the students and were delighted to provide Design Awards to three students as Commendations and to Emmajane as an Overall Winner."

"We look forward to giving her some work experience with our business in the near future. We are always delighted to be involved in providing opportunities for young people to aspire to and achieve more fulfilling lives.”

West College Scotland is determined to ensure its students have the opportunity to put their skills into practice in the real world, ensuring their path to a successful career is a smooth one. Lecturer Lola Paterson is always keen for her students to be involved in live client brief projects, and was delighted with the success of the project.

"This has been an incredible opportunity for our students who have responded with an excellent professional standard of work.  This experience contributes greatly to them articulating onto university or future employment and showcasing their work. It’s equally great that Cohesion Medical Ltd has now given part-time employment for two of our HND Graphic Design Students.

“All of our students have enjoyed this experience, and are looking forward to exciting careers, whether working with Cohesion Medical Ltd or elsewhere."

"The HND Graphic Design Students are currently involved in another live client project, and in the future we look forward to expanding our work with other partners.”