Wider Action

Find out more about how our learners are actively involved in charity work and in the local community of Shetland and how we encourage our students in their efforts...

Hospitality Section:

'Local Competitions'
SVQ2 and SVQ3 Professional Cookery students take part in a number of local competitions such as Zet Chef and have had the opportunity to put their skills to the test alongside some of the most famous names in the hospitality industry. Some of their work experience skills have been gained in top hospitality venues in Scotland, such as the Gleneagles Hotel.

'Flavour of Shetland'
Students from the Hospitality and Tourism Section, led by lecturer Glynn Wright, took part in the annual Flavour of Shetland event on Victoria Pier, Lerwick, which celebrates the very best of Shetland’s food, drink, music, crafts and culture. All levels of students took part in preparing food for festival-goers, including Skills for Work students who got time off school and helped out at weekends.

'25th Anniversary of Shetland Aquaculture'
The section prepared a nine-course meal for 150 people at Lerwick Town Hall in October to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Shetland Aquaculture. Glynn Wright said: “It was the most complex meal we’ve ever prepared in Shetland”.

'Jarl Squad Meal'
Students assisted Glynn Wright in the preparation of a meal for 40 of the Jarl Squad’s wives in the Galley Shed in September.

'Samaritans 30th Anniversary in Shetland'
Students helped prepare a finger buffet for invited guests to celebrate the Samaritans 30th anniversary in Shetland.

Community Learning Section:

'English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)'

A programme of certificated courses in ESOL from Access 2 Beginners Literacies up to Intermediate 2 level was offered. 49 students successfully achieved their qualifications.

The range of levels available means that there are classes to suit most abilities and allows students to progress as their English improves. Achieving certificates contributes to students’ ability to gain citizenship and also improves their employment prospects.

One student was supported to apply for work as a Bilingual Classroom Assistant and is now on the supply list as well as training to be a Volunteer Advisor at Citizens Advice Bureau. Two other students have been encouraged to become Evening Class tutors.

Computing Section:

'Folding'
This is a distributed computing project managed by Stanford University and uses spare computer processing power to perform calculations for medical research. Proteins misfolding can have serious consequences causing diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and many cancer-related syndromes, and this project aims to find cures. Typically there are approximately 524,000 active CPU’s working on this project around the world at any one time. A major contributor is the PS3 console, with the Folding software built in as standard. To get involved, visit www.webcomputing.co.uk/folding.html.

'Shetland_Overclockers get recognition in national Custom PC magazine'
In January 2009, a small team of students joined the national team of Custom PC & Bit-Tech and created their own sub-team Shetland_Overclockers. Students on the HNC InformationTechnology programme initially built two PC systems: a liquid cooled PC and a quad graphics card system to benchmark performances and test their number crunching capabilities by running Folding software. From there the project grew, increasing the number of computers contributing and, by October 2009, the Custom PC magazine requested a full page review of the team’s impressive achievements. Since then, due to other project work, the folding production rate has been low, but the project has new blood and 2011 should see the Shetland_Overclockers team regain a consistent top 20 production rate place.

Construction Section:

'Practising Citizenship'
A group of Skills for Work pupils built and donated a shed for Scalloway School and, in return, the school made a cash donation to CLAN. “This was an excellent opportunity for the students to do something for the local community and a worthwhile charity. It was a real practical example of citizenship” said Anthony McLeod.

Creative Industries Section:

'Sculpture for Sandwick'
Students took part in a live project in partnership with Shetland Arts, local architect Alan McKay and Hjaltland Housing Association to design a sculpture for the housing association’s new scheme at Sandwick. Amy Geir was chosen after a presentation that wowed the judges. The project will now go ahead and be made into a public sculpture.

Architect Alan McKay said: “All the entries were excellent and each had their own merits. The winner caught our attention because she made good reference to the area – she had included Mousa Broch in her concept – and had thought about the community aspect in terms of seating. Her project also looked good on site and would be feasible in terms of cost and buildability."

'Maakin Flooers'
The third year BA Contemporary Textiles students also took part in a ‘Maakin Flooers’ community project. They contacted knitters in and outwith Shetland to donate knitted flowers for an exhibition held in the Shetland Museum and Archives.

'Gunnister Man'
Hilary Seatter and Jennifer Tait both took part in the ‘Gunnister Man’ exhibition at Shetland Museum and Archives. They worked with visiting textile artist Deirdre Nelson to create a piece which later went on display.

'Charity Fashion Show'
All students in the NC class took part in a charity fashion show by recycling clothes from charity shops. The fashion show was held in Brae with funds raised donated to two local charities.