Former Thurso college student leads new UHI advisory group
New local advisory committees have been formed to help shape the direction of the merged UHI North, West and Hebrides college.
The University of the Highlands and Islands says the forums will “provide local oversight and accountability, advice and guidance” to ensure that the needs of students, communities and employers are met.
The North Highland Local Advisory Committee, Outer Hebrides Local Advisory Committee, and West Highland Local Advisory Committee have met twice since forming in November.
Former board members of the founding colleges and members of the public with an interest in their local area, education or industry were encouraged to apply.
The committees will meet at least twice a year and reinforce the college’s approach to working in partnership with stakeholders in the local communities.
Derek Lewis, chair of the board of management of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: “Advisory committee members will help the board of management by providing advice and guidance on local learning needs, strategic opportunities and priority projects, reinforcing our approach to working in partnership with stakeholders in local communities.
“The committees have strong representation from key local stakeholders including staff and student representatives, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce, Focus North, Highland Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.”
Lydia Rohmer, principal and chief executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, added: “We have been working hard to ensure we have strong local representation at board level and through our pioneering local advisory committees, which will have oversight of our work, provide valuable feedback and local accountability.
“We are committed to working with our staff, students, and local communities to develop our learning offer to meet local needs, provide high quality education and training as well as world-class research and knowledge exchange, develop an excellent student experience, and forge deeper partnerships to respond to the once-in-a-generation economic opportunities in our region.”
Graham Birnie, chairman of the North Highland Local Advisory Committee, said: “Thurso Technical College, as it was then, provided me with the opportunity to gain an engineering apprenticeship without having to leave home. It led to a rewarding and enjoyable career in the oil and gas industry and gave me the business acumen to give back to UHI North Highland, now UHI North, West and Hebrides.
“I am pleased to be able to play a role, as chair of the local advisory committee, in supporting the college to provide local opportunities, which allow people to stay and study in the area and go on to rewarding careers.”
