STUDIOUS Argyll and Bute Council staff have seen their efforts rewarded as they were recently presented with certificates for a variety of work-related qualifications.

Employees from the local authority’s community and customer services teams gathered in the council chamber on Friday 26 October to receive their certificates from Provost Isobel Strong.

Working at council facilities all across the Argyll and Bute area, they have been working towards a range of different qualifications, including Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), professional customer service standards and computer training.  . These relate directly to the skills they need in order to do their jobs well.

Staff have achieved SVQs in Health and Social Care at levels 2, 3, 4, leadership and management and assessor’s award – some specialising in the care of adults or young people. Other employees have successfully completed the Customer Services Professional Qualification and the European Computer Driving Licence.

Much of their training was provided in-house using Argyll and Bute Council’s own SVQ centre and assessors. This meant that learners had enhanced support from people who know their workplaces, are familiar with council policies and procedures and share the same commitment to providing quality customer service. It also provides quality assurance, consistency of learning and a great deal of support for employees from others who know exactly what’s involved.

Those who had achieved qualifications were enthusiastic about their learning experiences. One employee said: “From the very start of the course I was able to put into practice what I was learning in my role. I feel I am now providing a much improved service.”

Another commented: “These qualifications are significant and recognise how much we have learned in our workplace over the years. Can we have some more, please?”

Argyll and Bute Council Provost Isobel Strong said: “Education is very close to my heart, and I was delighted to present council staff with their certificates. They have worked hard and deserve to be proud of their achievements. 

“Having staff who are well trained and committed to enhancing their skills means that we can better serve the people of Argyll and Bute.”

Photograph attached shows all the council employees who were presented with qualification awards certificates.

Additional information:

The following Argyll and Bute Council staff received awards at Friday’s ceremony:

SVQ Level 3, Health and Social Care (Adults)

Ann McLeod, Mid Argyll

Helen Reid, Oban

Caroline Smith, Mid Argyll

SVQ Level 4, Health and Social Care (Adults)

Aileen MacAulay, Kintyre

Sandra MacGilp, Ardrishaig

Charlene Newman, Lochgilphead

SVQ Assessors Award

Christine Nicol, Oban

Customer Service Professional Qualification

Catherine Allibone, Campbeltown

Sandra Cobain, Rothesay

Samantha Gillies, Dunoon

Donna MacLean, Campbeltown

Julie McLellan, Campbeltown

Emma Selkirk, Rothesay

Aileen Stephenson, Helensburgh

Katie Taylor, Lochgilphead

European Computer Driving Licence

Eleanor Cameron, Ardrishaig

Ellen Clarkin, Helensburgh

Mary Morrison, Clachan

Sharon Straub, Oban

Also achieving qualifications, but unable to be present on the day, were:

SVQ Level 2, Health and Social Care

Mary Bavin, Islay

Shona MacDonald, Oban

Catherine McGeachy, Islay

Sylvia McKerrell, Islay

Ann Marie Stitchell, Islay

Fiona Thomson, Islay

SVQ Level 3, Health and Social Care

Julie Baker, Islay

Marilyn Brown, Mid Argyll

Hazel Campbell, Islay

Carol Dickson, Mull

Michaela Dickson, Rothesay

Alison Fisher, Mull

Hilda Galbraith, Campbeltown

Fiona Henderson, Campbeltown

Lilian Leith, Mid Argyll

Irene MacCuish, Oban

Kirsty MacDonald, Tiree

Heather Mayberry, Kintyre

Diane McEwan, Mull

Laura Monsalve, Oban

Karen Morice, Islay

Archie Ronald, Campbeltown

Elspeth Sherville, Dunoon

Nicola Taggart, Oban

Helen Williams, Mull

SVQ Level 3, Health and Social Care (Children and Young People)

Anne Dolan, Helensburgh

SVQ Level 4, Health and Social Care

Marie Hendrie, Mull

Morven MacInnes, Oban

Kerry Anne McBride, Oban

Rae Ogilby-Wood, Mull

SVQ Level 4, Leadership and Management

Rae Ogilby-Wood, Mull

Margaret MacDonald, Tiree

European Computer Driving Licence

Gemma Cameron, Islay

Eilidh Fitzpatrick, Dunoon

Jennifer Hodgson, Oban

Nancy McLaren, Kilmory

Victor Sandall, Dunoon

Customer Services Professional Qualification

Gemma Cummins, Oban

Fiona MacNab, Lochgilphead

Tina McCrank, Campbeltown

Lorraine McGinty, Lochgilphead

Sharon McHarrie, Islay

Louise McNiven, Islay

Rowan Seddon, Lochgilphead