Students qualify as mechanics

Kirsten Oswald MP presents East Renfrewshire students with their City and Guild certificates.

Rob and Luke, from St Ninian’s High, and Matt, from Mearns Castle High, achieved their Level 3 Cycle Mechanics City and Guild certification following the training at Neilston Development Trust’s Pedalwise Bike hub, based in Rouken Glen Park.

The vocational training course represents an innovative collaboration between Neilston Development Trust (NDT) and East Renfrewshire Council’s Schools Vocational Programme with additional support from Glasgow Bike Station.

It was launched in 2016 as a new option available to students studying at any of the Council’s high schools.

Gerardo Ballesteros, Lead NDT Cycle Mechanic, said: “City & Guilds is an industry recognised qualification that can lead to a job in a growing sector.

“We’ve had a great bunch of students and are working with all the schools in East Renfrewshire to let pupils see that this is a course, which is hands on and offers real prospects.”

Jillian Davis, East Renfrewshire Council’s Vocational Coordinator, said: “We’re delighted to have supported Neilston Development Trust with this vocational course.

“We have more places available in 2017/18 and students in East Renfrewshire will have cycle mechanics available as one of the options.”

The certificates were presented to the pupils by Kirsten Oswald MP in the company of Gerardo Ballesteros and Jillian Davis.

Kirsten commented: “It was a pleasure to be asked to present Rob, Luke and Matt with their certificates. I congratulate them on their dedication and hard work displayed in achieving this qualification.

“Vocational courses represent an opportunity for students to learn skills that can lead directly to employment. In particular, the cycle industry is growing and learning these skills before moving onto the next stage in life can prove useful for entry into employment or study.

“I would also like to congratulate everyone from the NDT, East Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow Bike Shed, who made such a success of running this course and I hope its popularity will continue to grow.”