Nescol introduces new role to drive forward stronger links with schools

DRIVING forward stronger links with schools is at the heart of a new appointment made by North East Scotland College (Nescol).

Lauren MacAskill has been promoted to the newly-created role of Schools-College Partnership Manager.

She has moved from her previous role with the marketing and communications team at the college, which included extensive schools liaison and activity, and will use her expertise to lead a new team dedicated to increasing and enhancing engagement with schools, pupils, parents and support networks.

Ms MacAskill, who has nine years of experience at Nescol, said: “More than a third of school leavers in the north-east choose Nescol as their next destination each year and the relationships we have with school communities are so important to us.

“The creation of the Schools-College Partnership team is designed to strengthen those links and to help us to be even more proactive in the way we engage not only with pupils but with teaching and support staff as well as with parents, carers and everyone who has a role to play in guiding pupils as they prepare to take their next steps."

Robert Laird, Head of Planning and Academic Partnerships at Nescol, said: “The Schools-College Partnership Team has a vital role to play and I look forward to working with Lauren and her team.

“The remit includes responsibility for the School Links and the Foundation Apprenticeship programme, building on the work to create a first-class offering for senior phase school pupils, and more widely in increasing awareness of the full range of opportunities available at Nescol.

“We see great potential to create an expanded programme of College-led activity and to grow our support of school-led events that will showcase the range of pathways available.”

Nescol is one of the largest providers of vocational education and training in Scotland. The College operates from its main Aberdeen Altens, Aberdeen City and Fraserburgh campuses as well as the Scottish Maritime Academy in Peterhead and learning centres in Ellon and Inverurie. For further information on full-time, part-time and distance learning courses currently open for applications visit www.nescol.ac.uk

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.