A group of Foundation Apprentices from Barrhead High School were excited to showcase their work this week at a presentation event hosted by West College Scotland. The learners who are currently undertaking the Level 5 Construction Foundation Apprenticeship with WCS, have been working on their Work-Based Challenge unit as part of their course.

This unit allows learners to contextualise their learning of the National Progression Award, with both, the theoretical and practical elements of the course running parallel and complementing the other. The Work-Based Challenge unit was also supported by Morrison Construction who provided a design brief, materials, expertise and guidance with the project.

As part of their learning, the pupils created planters which have been gifted to two local primary schools, Hillview Primary and Cross Arthurlie Primary.  Paula Riley, Depute Head Teacher from Hillview Primary School said,

“The planters were gratefully received and will be fully utilised as part of each of the local schools eco projects.”   

The showcase event saw the pupils gather at Barrhead High with representatives from the two receiving schools, depute head teachers Paula Riley of Hillview Primary and Gillian Rice of Cross Arthurlie Primary School alongside the Construction lecturing team from West College Scotland, Derek Smillie and Fergus Crawford as well as Paula Leca, Communities and Social Impact Manager with Morrison Construction, to allow the learners to present their final projects.    

Barrhead High pupil, Kyle Taylor said,

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it was great to get involved creating the planters.”

Curriculum Quality Leader, Derek Smillie said, “We are really proud of the Foundation Apprentices and how far they have come in this project. The final results are outstanding and it is great to see them being put to good use within the local schools. We would like to thank Morrison Construction for their continued support in making this project happen.”

Managing Director of Morrison Construction, David Ewing added,

"Morrison Construction are delighted to support West College Scotland in the delivery of the Level 5 foundation apprenticeship in construction by providing an industry-based challenge, we were very impressed by the standard of work produced by the students.   Morrison Construction are fully committed to supporting the Foundation Apprenticeship programme and encouraging young people to take their first steps towards a sustainable career in construction”.