Attended by 14 pupils from various local high schools, including Trinity High and Gleniffer High School, accompanied by their families and friends, the ceremony served as a testament to students’ hard-earned accomplishments. The event was made even more memorable through cross-departmental collaboration, with Level 5 & 6 Hospitality students crafting delightful treats and Photography students expertly capturing the essence of the day.
Jim McAllister (Head of Sector for Languages, Business and Leisure Industries) spoke of the event: “The Wings Ceremony is a fantastic celebration marking the culmination of students’ hard work throughout the year. It’s so rewarding to see students celebrate alongside friends and family and the event stands as another great example of cross-departmental collaboration with Hospitality students and Photography students also involved in making the day a memorable occasion for everyone.”
Studying at college for two afternoons per week, the course gives pupils the opportunity to not only learn about the exciting world of aviation but to meet new people, gain independence and experience college life. The aim of the course is to prepare students for what to expect within the industry and to provide them with the knowledge and skills should they wish to progress into one of the full-time Travel and Tourism courses available at West.
Kieva Maison, 17, from Trinity High School credited the course for supporting her dream to work in the aviation industry, Kieva said: “I’ve always known I would like to work within the travel and tourism sector and this course has helped me decide that I would like to pursue a career within airline cabin crew. I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people on the course and making friends with students from other schools. The course has a nice mix of practical and theory work – I liked learning the emergency exit routine of cabin crews.”
Kieva will return to West College Scotland in the new term to start her Level 6 Travel and Tourism course at Clydebank campus, hoping to gain valuable experience and skills and be one step closer along her dream career pathway of working in cabin crew for airline giants, Emirates.
Throughout the nine-month journey, students immersed themselves in every facet of the passenger journey, from marketing holiday packages to providing exemplary in-flight service, whilst gaining an insight into the behaviours and standards expected by an airline. Emphasising a hands-on approach, simulated environments within the classroom brought theory to life, preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the industry.
Kirsty Caig, Travel and Tourism Lecturer commented: “The students have been exceptional, I am so proud of them all and it was lovely to be able to showcase all of their hard work to the friends, family, and teachers that came along to show their support. Each of our students received their very own WCS wing pin – which will hopefully remind them of their time at college and encourage them to set their sights on a ‘flying career’ for the future”.
For 17-year-old student Kaiden Bowskill, the College course served as a gateway for entering the industry – successfully securing employment with The Travel Guru in Uddingston. Kaiden commented: “I always knew I wanted to work in aviation and this course has really helped me to get a foot in the door to greater opportunities. I’m looking forward to starting work next month with all the skills and experience I’ve learned while at college, I would recommend the course to anyone thinking about working in Travel and Tourism”.
We wish students the best of luck as they enter into industry or continue their studies at West College Scotland!
Photo credits: Daniel Donaldson (HNC Photography) and Kat Sloan (NC Photography).