WEST College Scotland is back in business with a £350,000 investment bringing in a record-breaking intake of engineering apprentices on campus.

The Finnart Street campus has 100 engineering students in training, a threefold increase compared to a few years ago and that figure is expected to rise further.

With a top team of lecturers it has become the favoured choice for companies like Diodes, James Walker Devol, Dales Marine and Ferguson's,

James Walker Devol apprentice Jason Baird, 18, a former St Columba's High pupil, says he is delighted with his opportunity close to home.

He said: "My dad works with Svitzer on the tugs so I always knew I wanted to do engineering of some kind.

"I was delighted to get the chance with a local firm and it is ideal to be coming to the college.

"I have been working with lecturers who used to work for Devol, so it is so good to have the experience on hand.

"It has been a difficult couple of years at school with Covid and I think I suffered from a lack of confidence, but that has gone thanks to the support at college and getting this opportunity."

Diodes apprentice Lara Graham, 19, from Port Glasgow is busy learning electronics.

She said: "It is great to get such a brilliant opportunity and coming to the college locally really cuts down on costs for us all."

The engineering team are keen to tailor their expertise to fit with firms.

WCS has a healthy mix of full-time engineering students as well as apprentices who come in on placements to gain their industry qualifications.

Robert Marshall, quality enhancement leader for engineering, said: "At one time, companies thought apprentices had to go to Glasgow to get the best training - that is not the case any more.

"I am from Port Glasgow, I came from another college to work here and I am proud to be here.

"We are focused on developing strong links with local engineering firms.

"When we have the likes of Diodes here, you don't want them sending apprentices outwith Inverclyde."

Jim McCulloch, curriculum leader for engineering, from Gourock, added: "It is thanks to the likes of Robert and our other lecturer Norrie that we have more engineering apprentices than ever before.

"We have had a huge investment in equipment as well."

The college modern apprenticeship programme provides individuals with the opportunity to secure industry-recognised qualifications while earning a wage.

It offers students aged 16 and over the opportunity of paid employment, combined with training at different levels.

Head of engineering Alistair Rodgers said: “The continual growth of the engineering curriculum at the Greenock campus and in particular the ability to support local engineering employers through the apprenticeship programme ensures that the college is able to support regeneration within the Inverclyde area.

"The overall investment of more than £350,000 on resources and equipment over the last few years ensures that students and apprentices undertaking their training at the Greenock campus develop the skills required within the various engineering industries within the local area and beyond.”

Local firms are also pleased with the partnership they have with the further education facility.

Shona Darroch, of HR business partner at Diodes, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with West College Scotland on our apprenticeship programme for 2022, helping us build our talent pipeline for the future of our site in Greenock.”