This week’s blog is by Pete Smith, Principal of Borders College.  Colleges Scotland is marking the diversity and variety of the work that Scotland's 24 colleges do with our new blog series, 24 in 2024.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities across the country came together to support each other, as what we recognised as normality was turned upside down. As we coped with the tragic loss of life and huge social and economic impact, our colleges were at the centre of recovery in many of those communities. At the onset of the pandemic, colleges swiftly switched to online learning and then supported the learning and welfare of their students through a variety of means, each specific to their learners and communities. Many college buildings were repurposed to support the emergency services. Many donated PPE to the NHS, charities and community groups. As we emerged from lockdown, colleges were key to re-enabling safe learning opportunities while also providing significant additional learning and welfare support to their students. Those students and their families trusted their colleges, and rightly so. Colleges have long been civic anchors; places people recognise as being of the community and for the community. It is essential that we allow those roles to continue. 

Many of Scotland’s colleges were created to deliver skills to support the industries specific to local towns and cities, and their dominant industry sectors. As those industries changed and diversified, the towns and their people wanted broader and richer opportunities. Our colleges delivered, eventually providing a vast array of learning opportunities, from entry to degree level at their centres across Scotland.

In developing their curriculum offer, colleges listened to their communities, they consulted with industry, they delivered on government policies. They continue to do all this in a number of ways, from active participation in community planning and regional economic partnerships to direct engagement with industry, schools and local authorities; but more than that, they are often focal points for community events, and remain places where people can not only learn, but socialise, use as sports hubs, attend conferences and seminars, or simply find a warm place to shelter in the colder months.

At Borders College we truly believe in our community responsibility: of course we recognise our place in developing global citizens; of course we work across our region to deliver the skills identified in our Regional Economic Strategy. But we also engage directly with community groups in our regional towns to find out what they want from their college. Without that type of engagement, our further education sector risks becoming homogenised, with reduced opportunities to access the life-changing experiences we provide.  

As our society becomes increasingly globalised, it is more important than ever that we remember how true community assets such as colleges are essential in supporting our people throughout their lifelong learning journey, adding significant economic value to our country, and that they also create enormous social value in the way they interact with their communities, improving equality of opportunity and a sense of belonging.

Discover the inspiring ways Borders College is transforming our communities for the better. Dive into a glimpse of the impactful initiatives that have touched the lives of numerous students, members of the public and external organisations.

Hairdressing Global Citizens cutting it for the NHS

A group of hairdressing students has been nominated for a Global Citizenship Award for their work at Borders General Hospital's Borders View Ward, a unit for dementia patients. NHS Borders invited the students to provide hair services, including shampoo, sets, cuts, and blow drying. This opportunity allowed Level 5 A students to enhance their customer service skills and cutting techniques while offering essential grooming services to patients who might otherwise lack access to such care. Read the full article here.

College welcomes Cornerstone to support jobs inclusion

Borders College recently welcomed Cornerstone, a Scottish social care charity, to use its Galashiels campus facilities twice weekly. During a visit coinciding with DuoDay, the charity engaged with staff about job roles and support for disabled employees. DuoDay promotes workplace diversity and inclusion by connecting disabled people, employers, and Supported Employment providers. Cornerstone aims to encourage social inclusion, reduce loneliness, and enhance health, independence, and well-being. Read the full article here.

Yuriy follows his passion for metal sculpting thanks to ESOL course

Ukrainian student Yuriy Shostask is excited to advance his metal sculpting skills by joining the Introduction to MIG Welding program. To prepare, he is taking the English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course, which has improved his English and communication skills. Borders College, in collaboration with Scottish Borders Council Community Learning and Development (CLD), offers ESOL classes to adults in the Scottish Borders, helping them gain essential language skills for better community interaction. Read the full article here.

Charity-minded students gear up for Alzheimer’s fundraiser

Borders College students Laia Reid and Amy Horsebrugh supported Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Walk for a Cure in June. As Higher Social Care students who have cared for family members with dementia, they were raising funds for the charity. They organized a bake sale at the Galashiels campus and have raised over £700 online. Additionally, they have joined the Royal Voluntary Service, supporting public health, social care, and well-being through vital services. Read the full article here.

ESOL course helps Svitlana find her artistic touch again

Scotland's colleges are helping Ukrainian refugees integrate, with English language learning being crucial. Svitlana Norel, a Ukrainian artist and mother of two, moved to Scotland two years ago from Odessa. Now living in Galashiels, she studies ESOL at Borders College and previously completed a Community Learning course. Aspiring to become an art teacher in Scotland, she also attends weekly Conversational Café sessions and online classes to enhance her language skills. Read the full article here.

Sign language learners contribute towards an inclusive society

The College’s Galashiels campus recently hosted a successful Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) Community Evening Class for beginners. Attendees aimed to build confidence and communication skills before starting a Level 1 certificated course. The sessions covered finger spelling, basic introductions, numbers, weather, transport, directions, and fundamental grammar and vocabulary. Participants practiced these skills through pair work, enhancing their ability to understand and use BSL for everyday communication. Read the full article here.

NHS Borders benefits from college phone upgrade

NHS Borders received a generous donation of telephone handsets from Borders College following the college's phone system upgrade. These phones, compatible with NHS Borders' system, will replace damaged units or support new extensions across the NHS estate. Read the full article here.

Journalist Isla Glen talks about her career journey from Borders College to DC Thomson

Former student Isla Glen, from Southdean, Scottish Borders, graduated from Stirling University and started a journalism career with DC Thomson at the Dundee Courier and Evening Telegraph. Isla studied NPA Journalism at Borders College in 2017 while in S5 at Jedburgh Grammar School. She credits the college course with launching her career and highlights how college can be a crucial step toward university and professional success. We wish her the best in her journalism journey. Read the full article here.

Isla’s commitment to her role commended by her peers

Isla Simpson has been praised for her dedication to her studies and support for children after completing the Social Services Children & Young People SCQF2 course. Following her time volunteering at Seashells Nursery in Eyemouth, her employer nominated her for the course. Despite initial apprehension due to past school experiences and dyslexia, Isla’s regular meetings with her assessor and preparation boosted her confidence. Over seven months, her creative thinking, teamwork, and child support skills were notable. Read the full article here.

College supported frontline care workers by 3D printing face shields

Borders College aided frontline care workers by producing face shields for Scottish Borders staff. Staff members Davie Lowe and Mark Catto use their 3D printers at home to create headbands, which were then fitted with acetate shields. Each shield, taking about an hour to make, served as a protective barrier for healthcare workers. Read the full article here.

College staff and students aided delivery of vital medical supplies

During the Coronavirus pandemic, College volunteers were crucially ensuring medical supplies reach vulnerable individuals. A team of 37 staff and students runs a delivery service, and completed over 176 deliveries to homes identified by the NHS. This initiative, a collaboration between Scottish Borders Council, NHS, and Borders College, adhered to strict no-contact guidelines to ensure safety. Read the full article here.

UK Government funding awarded to offer free green skills training

Borders College has obtained funding of £530,400 to facilitate the no-cost provision of tailored skills and training initiatives, aiming to bolster the green economy and enhance the local supply chain for housing. This programme is strategically crafted to optimise the decarbonisation of existing housing stock and elevate the workforce's skills to meet evolving property standards. Read the full article here.

Renowned chef Mark has all the ingredients for success

Former Borders College student Mark Drummond has tasted success in several high-end hospitality positions throughout his career. We caught up with him at the SCHLOSS Roxburghe to talk about his journey since leaving the College.

Now Culinary Director at the historic luxury hotel, Mark oversees all culinary aspects of catering and leads a team of 16 chefs in the kitchen. Read the full article here.