Dumfries and Galloway College boosts staff skills through work-based learning

Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) worked with North West Community Campus in Dumfries to deliver work-based learning through Scottish vocational qualifications (SVQs). 

Staff at the school took part in these courses to support their professional development at different career stages.

Five apprentices from North West Community Campus gained experience and qualifications at the college, supported by Morag Latimer, support manager at North West Community Campus, and Barry Smith, head teacher at North West Community Campus.

Smith said: “Modern apprenticeship learning opportunities are a great way for us to develop our clerical team and support them in gaining new skills and building capacity. 

“In addition, given that we are in times of such considerable change, making a commitment to support our clerical staff engage in further learning helps them to be more flexible from a career development perspective. 

“Hopefully, this enables each of our staff to follow their desired career path, irrespective of any changes and challenges they may face.”

Latimer said: “Giving the staff the chance to realise how much they are actually doing has been great for personal and professional development and self-reflection… it’s been a great training opportunity.”

Douglas Dickson, principal and CEO at DGC, said: “We are proud to see the positive impact that our work-based learning programmes are having, not just on individual learners but also on their workplaces and communities. 

“By supporting staff to develop new skills and qualifications while working, we are helping to build a stronger, more adaptable workforce for the region.”