WCS winner of the Herald Higher Education Award – Outstanding Employer Engagement

West College Scotland (WCS) are delighted to have won the Outstanding Employer Engagement category at the illustrious Herald Higher Education Awards.

This Award comes to recognise WCS Design departments remarkable work with Neat Living, a Glasgow-based company providing innovative housing solutions. The College’s collaboration with Neat Living, now in its third year, gives WCS Interior Architecture & Design students a unique opportunity to apply the skills they acquire in class to meet real-world business needs.

Angela Pignatelli, WCS Assistant Principal – Creative Industries & Essential Skills, says: “The team
involved in this project has worked tirelessly in creating a curriculum which is relevant, valuable and
connected to the world of industry. Our key partner, Colin Taylor of Neat Living, has immersed himself in the life and work of the college to co-create a course programme which develops the necessary employment and entrepreneurial skills for today’s fast moving world of design. We’re immensely grateful to Colin, the curriculum team and the judging panel at The Herald Awards in helping us achieve this noteworthy success.”

Colin Taylor, Director and Founder of Neat Living, says: “It’s a great recognition for West College Scotland – and the most committed members of staff you could ever hope to meet. Were so pleased to have played a part in co-creating a unique pathway, which makes West College Scotland the Go-To place for the next generation of aspiring designers in architecture and interior design.”

Lola Paterson, WCS Interior Design lecturer, says: “Each year, the project provides our students with an incredible opportunity to get invaluable work experience which contributes greatly to them articulating onto university or future employment.”

Alexander Lake, 19, from Cardonald, is one of WCS students who benefited from the project this Academic year. He said: “I’m delighted to have taken part in this project with Neat Living. The team is amazing and was supportive throughout the entire project. Live client briefs are important because they give us real life experience.”

Learn more about the project and see WCS students’ outstanding work:

2017/18: Our design students help Neat Living shape the house of the future

2016/17: Students Neat’ Animations Impress Professionals

Danielle Editor

Danielle McGuire is one of the editors behind Paisley.org.uk, a prominent website dedicated to chronicling and enhancing the community spirit of Paisley, Scotland.

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