Students celebrate success on pilot community housing programme

Students in Glasgow’s east end are celebrating after completing a pioneering new programme designed to recognise working within housing and communities.

The HNC Working with Communities/Housing pilot programme was created by John Wheatley College in partnership with Easthall Park Housing Co-operative. The course is the first of its kind in Scotland and, supported by 12 housing organisations across the city, the students have benefited from workplace-based practical experience.

Sharon O’Hara from Shettleston has recently completed the new HNC and has found a new career thanks to the innovative course – she now has a post as a lecturer at John Wheatley College.

The 32-year-old from Shettleston, said: “I can’t believe how much my life has changed in a year in such a fantastic way. I applied for the course because there is a lot of regeneration going on across Glasgow and I felt it would be an exciting time to get involved.

“It was a great feeling being one of the first to gain such a valuable qualification and I am looking forward to making a contribution to the course as it develops in the years to come.”

Sharon and her fellow students will receive their certificates from the college at a celebration of learning ceremony on Tuesday 23 June. Nine of the twelve students will be receiving their awards on Tuesday. Two students have already gained second year entry to Glasgow University for advanced study, with another two moving to employment and a further five actively seeking training and employment opportunities.

Billy Hunter, 59, of Cambuslang, has been accepted into second year at Glasgow University to study for a BA in Community Development.

He said: “The course has been a huge success and I hope it will attract people looking to benefit from the combined elements of the course (the HNC and Professional Development Award) next year after such a huge effort from all involved.”

John McMorrow, director of Easthall Park Housing Co-operative, said: “We are delighted to have developed such a unique programme which combines specialisms and prepares students for a career working with people in communities and/or housing.

“We hope that our work with John Wheatley has created a model example which could be rolled out to educational institutions across the country with the support of housing associations and other organisations.”

Alan Inglis, Assistant Principal at John Wheatley College, added: “The combined award, HNC in Working with Communities and Professional Development Award in Housing Law for Advisers, is designed to prepare students for sustainable employment or further study within the sector, bringing together nationally recognised qualifications in both community development and housing.”