Borders College saddles up for a night at the CDN Awards

We’re delighted to announce that Borders College has been shortlisted for the annual CDN (College Development Network) Awards – one of the most prestigious awards in the sector.

In the category for the Employer Connections Award, the Scottish Racing Academy programme was once again chosen as a finalist by a prestigious panel of judges from across a wide range of Scottish sectors.

The Employer Connections Award recognises creative approaches that a college has taken to enhance active and effective engagement activity with employers that support the ambitions of The Scottish Government’s Developing the Young Workforce and Skills Strategy.

The Scottish Racing Academy represents a collaboration between Borders College, Scottish Racing and industry partners from across Scotland who have committed to either taking students on work placement or to skill and upskill their current employees to create a sustainable workforce for the future.

The programme has allowed the talented Scottish people employed in the industry to remain in Scotland and gain the vital qualifications and skills needed to pursue a career in Horse Racing.

The ultimate aim of the programme is to create a world-class education and training offer that has a positive impact on the recruitment, skills, career development/progression and retention of racing staff in Scotland.

Borders College Assistant Principal Lynne Gilchrist commented:

“We are absolutely delighted that our SRA programme has been shortlisted in the Employer Connections Award category. 

“The uniqueness of this submission is that our employer connection is not with one employer but with a range of employers within one industry who have offered a sustainable, effective work placement.

“This has resulted in 87% of our first cohort of full-time learners gaining employment, and all this under the challenging circumstances of a global pandemic.

“We are very proud to be recognised and look forward to the celebration in December.”

The CDN Awards recognise the talent, innovation and achievement demonstrated by colleges, their staff and their learners. The winners will be announced at a celebration ceremony at Radisson Blu, Glasgow on Thursday 9 December 2021.