West College ScotlandClydebank Campus

Queens’ Quay

G81 1BF

Editor’s Word

Timeline

Radio Star - interview with Michelle Hunter

Comic by Gary Chudleigh

Music

Feature - What the hell is Lomography?!

Creative Business - Etienne Kubwabo

Poetry by Paulina Krzyzaniak

Photography with Kath Polley

Iman Tajik - Photography Student of the Year 2013

Meet the Student of the Year

The City of Angels by Victoria Hediger

Colourful Life

News

Pre-Apprentice Electrical - interview with Joe Mulholland

Sport - I run, you run, Glasgow run!

Kip us fit! James McCafferty

Focus on Film!

Useful Links

4 - 5

6 - 7

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10 - 11

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14 - 15

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Special Thanks

To Agnieszka Deja for the fantastic cover illustration, Victoria Hediger for her input, Fiona Gribben and Iain Smart for their invaluable advice, and last but not least, to Julie Laing for a great and challenging idea.

It’s time to grab a good coffee, turn off your phone, read through interesting interviews, discover rising stars and maybe even get hooked into another hobby.

SUCCESS is my third baby, as I’m already a mother of two. This magazine is something I stressed about, something I am proud of and something I was frustrated with, from time to time.

When I was starting Clydebank College I couldn’t imagine publishing a single article, never mind a whole magazine. Two years later, with great support and encouragement from all surrounding me, I did it!

Hope you enjoy this issue.

Kamila Jelonkiewicz

CONTENTS

Timeline

1 April 1993

Incorporation for Scotland’s Colleges

1990

Clydebank College Celebrates its 25th

Anniversary

1982

Clydebank Technical College became Clydebank College

1970

North Block opens

8 September 1967

College hosts local industry exhibition

15 September 1965

Clydebank Technical College was opened by Bailie James Malcolm,

Convenor of the FE sub-committee

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1994

Dorothy Paul Opens Dumbarton

Campus

13 October 1994

Clydebank College celebrates first Higher

National Awards Ceremony in Clydebank

Town Hall

2000

College is Restructured

20 September 2007

Queens’ Quay Campus formal opening by Fiona

Hyslop MSP

Summer 2008

The Kilbowie campus demolition comences

29 June 2012

Confirmation is given for west region merger to proceed

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Michelle Hunter is a successful radio producer and project manager at the Scottish Media Academy, based at Radio Clyde.

She also has some experience as a lecturer at Clydebank College, now West College Scotland. She is a very approachable person with the career path that I would happily adopt.

We agree to meet up at Clyde 1 Radio, convenient and fascinating at the same time. My head is full of thoughts on how to approach the situation, keep a professional yet interesting manner and maybe even be remembered. Stressed, I go inside, wait maybe two minutes at the reception and there is Michelle, all smiles, which makes me feel more confident. We head to the cafeteria area and begin with the interview.

Michelle, when did you graduate from Clydebank College?I think it was 2004 when I went to Clydebank College to do a Media course, the HND. My ultimate goal to start off was to go to the university however the minute I get into the radio studio I was like- ‘This is it! This is what I want to do.’ I did radio at high school and for my work experience I went to Central Stirling FM. Then I moved to Glasgow, forgot all about it, went to college just to

study and all of the sudden fell back in love with the radio. So I went to Paisley University, which is now UWS, to do media, concentrating on radio, and use that as a platform to try and get work.

While being at Clydebank College did you find it interesting or maybe difficult?I loved it! What I loved about the course at Clydebank was that it was a bit of everything and in this day and age when you work in media you need to understand how media works, it gives you confidence.

Doing journalism obviously helped; in radio you need to write copy for the website. You have to do videos for presenters, do a bit of editing and put them online. So doing the media course that covers all of that was really useful. Although the radio part was my favourite obviously.

Did you have a job while studying?Well, as a mature student I couldn’t afford to just come to college and not work. I

had to rent a flat, so I worked part time in a pensions office.

Did you find it difficult?It wasn’t too bad due to the hours of the college, I was quite lucky. My job was very flexible and they would let me kind of work around them. Also because it was an office job I would go when I wasn’t in the college, but it meant that I would have my weekends and nights available to study. So that worked out ok.

What have you been doing since graduation?

I went from Clydebank to UWS and did my third year there. At the end of third year I was considering going back for fourth year. However, during my time at college and university I was trying to get as much experience as possible, and after 18 months trying I received a phone call from XFM Scotland (now Capital FM) saying that they wanted me to come for an interview for six weeks work experience. So I had to give up university for six weeks, probably not

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the best advice, but I was still doing the work – just wasn’t able to attend. So all my assignments were in place and I did those six weeks which was probably the best thing I could do. I learned loads of different things that you need to do in the studio and at the end of that they started to give me the odd shifts, doing the desk and things like that. So when I finished third year I was given a shift here and there and a job came up – day time producer of the new show that they were doing and I got it! My ultimate goal was to get a job in radio so I get a job and didn’t go back for the 4th year.

I would encourage people to go to college and university but you don’t need it to work in the industry. What it does though it gives you time and space so you have better understanding of the industry and you’ve got time to get work experience and networking, which you wouldn’t have if you were working full time. What was your plan before college, when radio wasn’t yet an option and goal?I didn’t have a plan. I went straight for the full time job. I always loved learning and after a few years of work I decided I needed to feed my brain with more information and I just wanted to learn. Originally I wanted to study English Literature and I didn’t have a career plan it was just personal development. To do something that I really wanted to do, when I was still young enough to do it.

At this moment do you consider yourself successful?I would say so. There have been ups and downs; like I say the radio industry is constantly changing. It is getting smaller in the UK. I was at XFM for just over a year and I was made redundant. Quite a lot of

us were. Following that I went back to Clydebank College for a few months to teach what I learned from being in the industry. I worked for few independent production companies. I left radio to work for a year for a music management company. They approached me and said they got a job, and that basically was like working on ‘the other side’ of radio. It was good for me because I could see how the other side works. It’s not been an easy ride but you know, four and half years ago I started here on Gina’s show here at Radio Clyde. Again, one year there was less work, just a few shows a week but now I’m working for the Scottish Media Academy. It’s not been easy but certainly I’ve progressed a lot over last five, six years.

What exactly does success mean to you – happiness or money?Oh I tell you one thing – you don’t go to radio for the money. Radio is changing and it is stressful but you do it because you love it. For me it’s the best job in the world. I can’t think of anything better.

What is the most interesting project you took on or took part in? There have been so many good things I’ve been involved in but to be honest more recently one I’m proud of and so glad I got to be part of Robin Galloway’s Breakfast Show, launched on Greatest Hits Network. This is our current AM station Clyde 2, so it’s maybe a bit more mature but the music is great. Basically they approached Robin and asked him to do the show that would be across the whole of Scotland and they asked me to be a producer to launch it.I said that would be great, dream come true but I also love working with the

Media Academy so I felt like that it would be unfair of me to say I’ll do it. So we agreed that I would be a launch producer, that I would prepare what would be on air, promotion materials, videos, sounds and what features there would be. For three months I was the producer and then I handed it over to the next person who would produce it. That was a really exciting project – it’s the first show of its kind and they asked me to be part of it. But it was challenging. I don’t know how breakfast show producers do that all the time, starting at 4am every morning.

Would you change anything career wise?No, I would choose the same path. Maybe if I get to where I am now a bit faster but I would be different person so don’t know. That might make me a better producer.

So you are happy with your job?Yes, well it can be hard when there’s little work. In the radio industry there are hardly any staff jobs. Most of us are freelance. I love being freelance – you work more than you’re paid for, but you love what you’re doing. And you’re not there from 9 to 5. However if you’re sick, you don’t get paid. It’s not always easy, but it is still the very best job in the world.

Thank you.

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Gary Chudleigh is a critically acclaimed writer, letterer, comic producer and the co-founder of Obscure Reference Comics. He has written and produced a variety of comics across a spectrum of genres and publications. He currently works out of Hope Street Studio in Glasgow City Centre.

He was born in Clydebank in 1988, lives with his wife Katy and dog Kurt in the west of Glasgow and Graduated in 2012 with a BA (Hons) in Media and Communication.

Gary’s most well-known project is ‘Invisible’, the official reboot of a classic DC Thomson character, as seen in Comic Heroes Magazine.

Comic

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Music

METAL

ROCK/POP

ELECTRONIC

Machines In Heaven are a three-piece band from Glasgow.

‘We put humanity into machines with our music. We and the machines died of blissful heartbreak. We reunited in heaven and were cast out for dancing all night every night.’

Next to be spotted at GoNorth Festival – Inverness, 4th/5th June @MachinesHeaven

Nothing But The Night boast a powerful balance of melodic and rage driven guitars and vocals. Their unique take on modern day post-hardcore will ignite dance floors into a frenzy.In a short space of time Nothing But The Night have built a strong local following and are now ready to take the UK by storm.

Next gig - 5th June in Stewarton, with Acoda @NBTNUK

ZUKO is a five piece band formed by Martin Rea (vocal) and Andy Kenney (guitar) in 1998.

‘We write all of our own material, although we do play cover songs too. We have played all over Scotland and even in Poland. We play rock/pop/indie music.’

Next gig - Ardlui Hotel, 31st October

Martin Rea ZUKO

nothingbutthenight.bandcamp.com

machinesinheaven.bandcamp.com

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What the hell is Lomography?!

Freedom, people, photography, oldschool, retro, analogue, perforated, plastic, crazy colours and surprises … Lomography is all of the above. Lomography is a community of Lomographic photographers who promote creative and experimental film photography.

This analogue camera movement started up through curiosity. In 1991 a group of students from Austria found an old, analogue Russian camera in a photographic shop, while on the trip to Prague. The developed pictures were nothing like any other frames they had seen before, with totally unpredictable

effects. They loved the results and in 1992 the Lomographic Society International (LSI) was founded. From that time on there have been many exhibitions, world congresses, parties, installations, collaborations, and events.

The Austrians’ basic idea of Lomography is - “Be quick, do not think, have an open mind in relation to your environment, absorb everything, enjoy your communicative process.” That’s the very essence of the 10 Golden Rules of Lomography.

Lomography is not a negation of traditional photography or digital photography. It is added to it or alternative for it.

Lomo photos can’t be planned, everything must be done naturally. The idea is that the camera has to be small, compact, housed in a pocket or bag, so that it is always with you, and take pictures which theoretically are against the rules of photography. But Lomography is not mindless shooting!

Lomo cameras use film and it is only after scanning or developing the photo that you really know the final effect. So even if not planned, images should be more thoughtful if the user doesn’t want to waste a film.

There is also thrill of waiting - we’re back from the holidays and we need to wait for the film to come back from the lab. Another thing is using photo albums instead of tens or hundreds of CDs with your frames – a nice way to archive your

memories. On the other hand, it is an integral part of social gatherings in the house - guests would happily watch and remember those cool moments.

Currently, there are sixty Lomography embassies around the world, on most continents. The driving forces of those embassies are Ambassadors - hyperactive ladies and gentlemen, who popularized

The 10 Golden Rules of Lomography

1. Take your camera everywhere you go2. Use it any time - day and night3. Lomography is not an interference in your life, but part of it4. Try the shot from the hip5. Approach the objects of your Lomographic desire as close as possible6. Don’t think7. Be fast8. You don’t have to know beforehand what you captured on film...9. ... or afterwards either10. Don’t worry about any rules

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Lomography in their own country by organising all kinds of creative events.

Among the members of the Lomo community are many well-known celebrities, including Brad Pitt, Alexa Chung, Elijah Wood, The White Stripes band members and Moby.

There are many camera models to choose from but it’s recommended to start with a small 35mm one. There is also developing technique, cross-processing (x-pro), which can be somewhat mimicked with photo-editing software such as GIMP or Photoshop.

Lomography can be a hobby for everyone! It does not interfere with anything; on the contrary, it may well interact with another passion. In general we can say that Lomo is for all those who are opposed to the control. No control is nice and people like it!

www.lomography.comwww.lomographylondon.co.uk

@lomographyuk

LomographyUK

All the photos are sourced form Facebook Group - LomographyUK

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Now, an entrepreneur and student at GCU, Etienne Kubwabo graduated from Clydebank College in 2013 and misses it already.

Creative industries are something Etienne was always interested in and ever since he grabbed a camera in college there was only one way – up. Before that he was pushed towards accounting which is not, or should not be, creative.

He describes his course at Clydebank College as a package deal – you are not learning just to film but also edit, promote and gather all necessary background information. While preparing his graded unit, Etienne had an opportunity to plan and execute it exactly as he is now, with driving his own company – Cre8tive Entertainment. Since graduation he has devoted himself to his company, creating films for various charities, commercials and music videos. At the same time he is completing his 3rd year at university.

Looking back Etienne admits that creativity was always his thing and as a kid he used to ‘make’ music videos with his brother and if choosing a university course again he would choose a more practical one.

His first creative project was the film ‘Night class’, made while studying NC Creative Industries. It was directed by James Gellatly and he was the one to make Etienne realise that this is it: ‘It was like he opened the door for me and encouraged me.’

The most interesting project Etienne took part in was making the video called ‘The Flow’. He was filming this music video for ten hours but time just flew by. There were a lot of young people involved and their parents were cheering alongside. It was great fun.

The next project he will be working on is a new film that involves the Commonwealth Games. Also, Etienne and his co-workers will start their own TV channel which will be broadcast from their own studio.

When asked if he feels successful, after a few seconds he proudly says ‘Yes’. After growing up in Africa and then moving

to the UK, he put himself in the position where while working hard he was able to make his dreams come true. Etienne describes his success as ‘being here and doing what I love.’

Etienne’s company, Cre8tive Entertainment, is focusing on business and enterprise. ‘We give people what they need - photography, film.’ Besides that, within the company they also focus on their own personal film projects.

To make people aware of their business and projects, Cre8tive Entertainment use social media every day. It’s a place to contact people, find a model or dancers. So there is a Facebook page, Instagram site and twitter feed, on top of their own website. During his time in college and university,

Etienne has received a fair amount of prizes. The one which is the most precious is the Northern Lights credit. Etienne was one of the co-directors chosen for the project and the film was shown nationwide in the UK so it was a big break through.

Etienne plans in the future are to be based in Glasgow in addition to travelling to make useful contacts. Quite simply Etienne is a happy person, doing what he loves, with his friends around him. That’s what encourages him to work hard every day.

Creative Business

Etienne’s college Focus on Film trophies.

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Poetryby Paulina Krzyzaniak

Unreal reality

I return to the joint moments,spent in dreams,

because only there we met.It was only there a place for us.Without the awkward silence,

without mistakes,without clichés.

We read the script lines,because in dreams we are perfect.

I know you only from the imagination,I don’t know anything about you.In the evening you will tell me lies,

letters, consonants, heavy breathing.

Desires

I want to be a child againOnly the more wayward,

Do not know anything about demons,Do not identify with the gray giants,

I want to be a child again,Only with more laughing,Do not looking in a mirror,Do not wear too big shoes,I want to be a child again,

Only more resolute, Do not wait with longing.

There is no me

I’m surrounded by people with no teeth smiles,mirror their eyes sparkle in the sun.

Zig-zag run around the walls,scribble wall, crush my eyes.

Room without walls, ceiling, floor,I am looking for steps of cold fingers.

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Kath Polleywww.gerenargyll.co.uk

Does it really matter how old you are when you’re trying to reach out for stars? Is it easier with some life baggage or when you’re just starting adult life? Can you start a business that has nothing to do with your past experiences?

Kath Polley is living proof that you can change your passion into your job at any age.

Who am I? I am a 45 year old married mother of three children. I have worked in catering and retail, and spent ten years working as a proof reader/technical publisher for an engineering company. None of these things really satisfied my need to be creative and I’d poured most of those energies into domestic things - making cakes, designing birthday cards, making clothes and accessories and so on.

I had always been the “family photographer” and after acquiring my first DSLR I started to get into photography in a much more pro-active way, keen to learn more. I mainly bought photography magazines, looked at online tutorials and asked friends who were better than me. A holiday session with a wildlife photographer made me realise that having a camera in my hand was more than just a bit of a hobby - it was the best fun I ever had, the most engaging thing I ever did and being out there with the camera, making images was my little bit of escapism.

When I got home from that holiday, I looked online for photography courses, found that Clydebank College ran an HNC programme and decided to apply on the spur of the moment. I don’t think I really thought about it much, beyond knowing that this was something I’d like to try and do. It turned out to be one of the most challenging and yet most rewarding years ever and I learned so much over that year before graduating in 2012.

After college after graduating, I took some time to build up a portfolio of work for my application to Glasgow School of Art. Clydebank College kindly took me on as a student mentor and I was able to

Bowling Reflections. I have always been fascinated by the reflections that surround us and most often go un-noticed. I didn’t find the boats in the harbour all that interesting on their own but the patterns they made on sunlit water were intriguing.

do some temporary work as a department technician. At the same time I was starting to do some photography work for clients of my own, mainly product photography for websites.

I was very lucky to have such great support from the staff at Clydebank College and with their help I was accepted onto the Communication Design course at Glasgow School of Art which is where I’m currently studying.

Challenge I found the entire HNC course a challenge, although I think the part that pushed me the most was the Applied Photography brief. It is always easiest to stick with what you know and

that brief, which had us looking at things like aerial photography, underwater photography, infrared photography, time-lapse and so on, was an introduction into several entirely new areas which was daunting but a lot of fun.

Since being at art school, I’m being pushed even further and now I’m experimenting with film making and animation which isn’t something I ever thought I’d do.

Will it work? It’s about so much more than just being able to take a good picture. To be successful you have to devote large amounts of time to networking, promoting, looking for work, looking after those business skills and always balancing the books.

Right now, my business is very much taking second place to my studies but I’m using the time to build up contacts and hone my skills and keep the clients I do have happy as well!

The key to success hard work and luck. I think you need both.

Am I successful ? I don’t know that I would call myself “successful” just yet, because I’m really just starting out on a path of learning. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved so far but that’s not quite the same thing.

Success to me won’t be prizes or recognition but being able to spend the time doing what I love - that will mean finding a balance between working and leisure. If I am working with enough clients to pay some bills and still have time to spend my evenings pottering about in my darkroom, then that will be success!

Competitions I don’t really take part but it’s something I’m considering. I

Bloomsbury Bikes. I like “street” photography but as well as capturing action as it happens, I always seem to see a sort of “still life” in my surroundings that appeals.

Void of Light and Music. Taken in the Seona Reid Building - the new home for the Design School at the Glasgow School of Art. For me it epitomises the experience of being at art school; you never know quite what’s going to happen next but it’s usually something inspirational!

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Soaps. These are both product shots that I took for a local company. The Lomond Soap Company is a small, independently owned business producing handmade soap that uses no palm oil so for me it ticks lots of boxes, being local, independent and ethical. The owner had taken a stand at the Scottish Trade Fair at the SECC and was looking for graphics for signage and a brochure. The whole series of photographs was intended to show the handmade nature of the products and to project a warm, friendly feel.

The Close. Taken as part of a personal project, looking into what exactly “home” means to me. It also forms part of a wider project, documenting my experience of the town of Helensburgh.

recently won first prize on a very casual monthly forum competition (for Amateur Photographer) which was lovely, especially as it was with one of my favourite photographs. It did make me think that I might have a go at some more formal competitions.

Inspiration I take inspiration from many sources. I am always scouring the library, reading art and design journals, following links to websites, looking for news articles and mooching around art galleries for ideas and inspiration. One of the best things about the internet is the ability to find and share information with like-minded people using things like Tumblr.

As for actual artists/designers/photographers, well, last year I spent a day at Tate Modern and discovered an artist

called Mira Schendel whose work just blew me away; she was very well known in her native Brazil but has been largely ignored over here, to our detriment. I enjoy looking to the past to see what the pioneers of photography were able to achieve given the technology available to them; it must have been such an exciting time.

Animation goes back further than most people think as well and I’ve recently been looking at the work of Norman McLaren who produced mesmerising work. I also take great inspiration from those around me. Never underestimate the value of having a lot of talented people around you!

Branding I’m not sure that I have a “brand” as such but the clients I have are all people who saw work I’d done for other people and liked it. That’s why networking and promotion are so crucial to building a business. You can sit at home making

beautiful images but if you never get out and put yourself and your work out there, nobody else will even know if they want it.

Happy or not If I could go back in time, I’d have started a lot sooner than I did. Effectively starting out at 45 brings its own advantages: there’s a certain amount of life experience to draw on, I have more confidence now that I did twenty-five years ago, and my life is (mainly) more stable than in my youth!

But I don’t have the same energy that I used to have, and I have family commitments to juggle, which weren’t a concern then either so it also brings its own challenges. I only wish I’d known what it was that I wanted to do a bit earlier, but I don’t think I’d change anything really and photography has broadened my horizons and given me a great deal of joy.

I See You. This was taken in London and was one of my favourite images from my Graded Unit. I’d like to say it was carefully planned out but sometimes chance has a hand in things and you just take the result and run with it!

Success is ..... working hard and not feeling like it is work at all.

www.gerenargyll.co.uk

No Signs of Improvement.Part of a personal project, documenting the town of Helensburgh. I’ve lived in or near Helensburgh for most of my life and it’s as close to a “home town” as I’m going to get. It’s a town of contrasts, having once been home to great wealth, of which there are still pockets, but it’s also rather run down these days and businesses are struggling. This is an on-going project that hopefully will find signs of positivity and beauty as well as the more negative side of life in an ongoing recession.

Sit A While And Wait. Part of the same project and in a similar contemplative mood as the first shot, but nonetheless quite different.

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Best Photography Student 2013

‘I would like to say big thanks to the Art and Photography Department in West College Scotland, Clydebank campus for their all support.’

‘LOST LIFE’ series, which was Iman’s graded unit and he took it with 35mm film.

Iman Tajik finished Clydebank College in 2013 and is now continuing his education at City of Glasgow College.

He initially studied Graphic Design in his home country, Iran. At Clydebank College he applied for Visual Communication as well as Photography, and eventually decided on the first.

Lecturers at the college, after seeing a few of his pictures, helped him change onto a Photography course. Nothing could’ve make Iman happier. The dark room was the place to be and contact with that form of art was, and still is, extremely enjoyable for Iman. The photography and graphic design were the ones to combine and change into career path.

Iman has taken part in few projects with the Refugee Council as well as individual clients. It is not yet the stage that would bring a lot of money but as freelance photographer he can gain invaluable experience.

Asked how he would define success Iman answers, ‘Hard work. I really worked hard for my graded unit project whilst in Clydebank College and it worked!’ After several minutes of discussion he finally admits ‘Yes, I am successful.’

As for the climate of his photos, black & white is the style Iman loves, and you can tell that by looking at his work. Mono photos are perfect to show emotions and that just what photos should be about. This year though is more about colour – that is what most clients will look for.

Nowadays photography is very much digital and it is probably impossible to go around that trend. However analogue photography is well known to Iman and he is a huge fan of it.

These days we all are photographers with the equipment and software available easily but still it is hard to transform your name into a brand. Iman is working on it hard by taking part in competitions and sharing his photos with various publications ‘I was never sending photos for competitions. When I decided to send my first ever – I won and now if I see something that is my style, I’ll send it!’

And just how successful is he?

• ILFORD PHOTO Student Photographer of the Year 2013 – Darkroom

• UK Student Competition 2013 ‘Pride & Prejudice’

• Photography Prize winner – Clydebank College 2013

• Scottish Parliament Photo Competition 2013

• CBSOUTDOOR UK competition 2013

• Refugee Council used his photo on their brochures

Iman’s graded unit project ‘Lost Life’ was a series of portraits of refugees, showing all the hidden emotions. Although very interesting, the project wasn’t an easy one. It has already been exhibited at Clydebank Town Hall and at Strathclyde University. It will be next displayed at the Paisley Art Centre as part

‘A View from Here’ is multi-disciplinary arts and heritage project, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland. It’s documenting the heritage of the high flats in two iconic districts of Glasgow and shared and disparate experience of asylum seekers, refugees and local Scots who live there. Through a series of creative workshops, they have created this unique story-based performance and exhibition of photography, object and film.

of the Refugee Week in June 2014. Iman has already planned his three next challenging projects, one of which will be involving refugees.

As for now Iman Tajik is happy and on the right career path - he wouldn’t change a thing.

IMan Tajik Photography

IMan Tajik Photography

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Student of the Year 2012/13

Chris Tolmie

HND Creative Industries: Media and

Communication

Student of the Year 2010/11

Jennifer Sweeney

HND Sports Coaching with

Development of Sport

Student of the Year 2011/12

David Dolan

HND Administration

and Information Technology

Student of the Year

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I’ve said this once, and I’ll say it again; California is a magical place. Say what you will about the traffic, the smog, or the long lines at Chipotle – the almost perfect weather and gorgeous surroundings make waiting that extra ten minutes for my burrito bowl worth it.

LA has definitely grown on me. I’m still working out the kinks, but the seemingly endless amount of Asian restaurants at your disposal is a good start.

If you follow my Instagram, you may have noticed that I’ve been spending my holidays out of the country quite a lot lately. I have been visiting my boyfriend who stays in LA for the past couple of months now, and so far so good. I’m becoming more familiar with streets, freeways, and places I like to frequent.

My favourite kind of days were the ones that didn’t really have a plan other than feeling hungry and just wanting to be outside. So give the girl what she wants, I say! Lucky for me, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect, nor the food any tastier.

That’s what I really love about LA. No matter what you do, whether it be going hiking up to the Hollywood sign, spending a day at LACMA or even gazing at the sunset from

Instafamous StudentThe City of Angles by Victoria Hediger

the Griffith Observatory, there’s always something to do for whatever mood you may be in.

The sunshine and palm trees also help.

The amount of people sometimes does get a bit daunting though. And I’ve had my fair share of strange encounters with some homeless people, but that is to be expected. I think what trips me out about LA the most is how drastically your surroundings change in a

split second. One minute there is a bunch of bodegas, then

suddenly you’re surrounded by mansions. And so the adventure

continues.

Once I complete my HND, I’ll be spending three months in LA this summer and will definitely

be sharing the photos from my trip and other shenanigans that I may be up to on my social media – as I always do.

Follow me on Instagram (@oheyytorii) if you want to see the stage of my journey, beyond college.

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Colourful Life

Caroline KennaHNC

Craig Forrest is one of the most successful alumni from the Make Up Artistry department. He graduated from Clydebank College in 2008 and in the same year received a Student Make Up Artist of the Year award.

After finishing his education Craig went straight into a job. He was working at places such as King’s Theatre, Scottish Opera, BBC and English National Ballet. He also took part in the productions NEDS and Filth as a Make-Up trainee.

Craig’s last post was Deputy Head of Make Up & Wigs while working with Disney’s The Lion King UK Tour, in years 2012 – 2013. All this creates a really impressive resume and sums up his skills.

Colourful success

Make up by Caroline KennaHNC Fashion Make up student.

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News

WCS Creative Industries Art and Design Exhibition 2014

The exhibition will take place at The Hub, 70 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA4th - 5th June 2014.

WCS Electrical Pre-apprenticeship Illuminates Bright Career Prospects

Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment, Angela Constance visited West College Scotland on the 23 April 2014 to meet with College staff, students, industry professionals and employers involved in the College Pre-Apprenticeship Programmes.

West College Scotland student competing at XX Commonwealth Games

West College Scotland HND student Gareth Jones was confirmed this week as one of fourteen wrestlers to represent Team Scotland in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

XX Commonwealth Games Baton Relay in West Dunbartonshire

The celebrations will take place on the 18th July 2014. The baton will make its way through Duntocher, Faifley, Hardgate, Whitecrook, Clydebank, Dalmuir, Old Kilpatrick, Bowling, Dumbarton, Renton, Alexandria, Balloch, Jamestown, Bonhill, Milton and Clydebank.

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Joe Mulholland started as an apprentice electrician in 1988. He went through his apprenticeship and ended up studying HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Clydebank College between 1994 and 1996.

When asked if it was difficult he said – ‘It was hard, I was still working at the time so I had to study at night. It was also a harder level from what I’ve been used to. But I still enjoyed it.’Joe’s career path switched from working in trade to becoming a lecturer at the college.

He admitted that he always fancied being lecturer; Having encouraging lecturers whilst he was studying helped him make up his mind: ‘Working with young people is a great advantage, as it keeps the spirit young.’ Not to mention holidays are pretty good too!

The engineering and electrical disciplines are different from , for example accounting, teachers need industry experience. Joe had 15 years trade experience before he started to teach. That gave him different perspective - ‘You can remember where the apprentices are coming from; you can remember that you were once where they are now sitting. It’s good to bring them through and see those becoming electricians.’ But it is not a sunny day every day and sometimes there are students who maybe end up in the course that is not for them.

Maybe they were pushed into it by parents and it’s not for them. Joe and other lecturers will try to encourage students as much as possible but if they are not interested they will end up walking away.

Either way Joe considers himself successful as he’s doing what he likes and enjoys every day. Success, after all, is happiness.

One of the most interesting projects Joe took part in, and is still managing, is the Pre-Apprentice Electrical. The scheme is growing and is very successful. The essence of it is to teach students practical skills.

After taking part students could be selected to work with various companies. the other hand the companies cooperating with the college know that their future staff will have necessary skillset.

Over 70% of students end up getting a job and that is important in today’s economic climate.

Pre-Apprentice Electrical

The course was set up as collaboration between the college, employers and SECTT in 2000. The idea was to provide employers with prospective apprentices who had already received practical experience.

The main aim is to find apprenticeships for students who have joined the course and performed well with the content. The course is college certificated.

A formal qualification was tried in the past but trying to get students through practical skills in a workshop and trying to

cover theory led to issues, that prevented enough suitable candidates being available for interview.

The course lasts for eighteen weeks. This enables the college to run four classes; two from summer till January and two from January till summer. The course consists of eighteen hours per week, which requires three days of attendance.

To apply visit www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

It’s electrifying

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I run, you run, Glasgow run!

Glasgow MoRun 10K & 5K

• Glasgow, Saturday 8 November 2014, 9:30am

• MoRunning supports Movember and their fundraising for Men’s Health, in particular Prostate Cancer

www.glasgow.mo-running.com

There are various motivations for running for different people, but all-in-all there seems to be more runners in Glasgow every year.

I asked my friends why they run. They’re answers were very different: ‘It is tough and it hurts’ and ‘I hate the actual activity, but the feeling afterwards is the best ever’.

There are as many motivations as runners. Several said: ‘it relieves stress’ or ‘it’s cheaper than the gym!’. But all runners agree that this is a very sociable activity that helps to gather your thoughts whilst keeping your body fit and healthy.

So, why do I run? I started off wanting to lose my baby weight. Then I realised that I had organised an hour - just for myself. I set my first goal – 1 mile, then 5K, and finally 10K. And that was it – being part of running community, being able to finish and proudly post pictures online. As a bonus, my daughter (7) has started to run with me! It’s like a family business.

With the sporting spirit dashing through Glasgow this year it might be a good idea to join an organised run.Glasgow has a lot to choose from, starting with the Great Scottish Run, where everyone seems to meet up.

You know what they say - Never mind how slow you run, you still outrun all those sitting on the couch!

Glasgow 5K Fun Run

• Bellahouston Park, Glasgow G52 1HH, Saturday 11 October 2014 at 11:00am

• Strictly for FUN. The events aren’t timed

• For whole families (under 5s run for FREE)

www.bigfunrun.com/?glasgow

Great Scottish Run & Super Saturday

• Glasgow city centre, 4&5 October 2014

• Six separate races over the weekend

www.greatscottishrun.com

Congratulation to WCS Running Group on their recent BUPA Great Women’s Run!

Care to join in?

The group of 25 runners took part in the BUPA 10K on the 11th May, in Glasgow.

They raised a whopping £4,725 for various charities!

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James McCafferty is 28 years old and he graduated from Clydebank College, HND Sports Coaching, in 2007. Before college he was a mechanic so studying sport was a significant change for him.

Whilst James was a student, he also worked in the college gym Energize. Also, he was a Summer Camp Coordinator and evening class supervisor.James continued his education for another year at the university whilst coaching at the same time.

In 2010 he started his own club, Kilbowie Boys, and since then he has managed fifteen teams altogether. All that started from a simple enjoyment of playing football, and since he is too old to play professionally, he decided to coach instead.

James considers himself successful, and no wonder, as he managed to create a growing business which he loves! Beside the club James coaches nursery kids and runs Active Fans and Football Fans in Training groups for the Celtic FC Foundation.

In addition to the college course James invested his time and work into getting coaching badges. That sort of certification allows you to coach either kids or adults, but James decided to do both, just in case.

Although doing badges would be enough to progress to work he strongly believe that college was a place that gave him a lot of experience and confidence, and without these he would not have been able to climb the career ladder.

supremecoaching.net

James’s coaching groups:

Active Fans - fitness classes for fans

Still Game - a social inclusion group for OAPs

Breakfast & Afterschool Clubs

Results Programmes through NHS for people with COPD

Football Fans in Training - 13 week course for fans who want to learn about healthy eating and the benefits to having a healthy

active lifestyle through a correct diet and being active

Keep us fit!

Kilbowie Boys

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Focus on Filmpictures from the 2013 ceremony

Our annual film competition brings ‘Oscar’ night excitement to Clydebank Campus, West College Scotland.

The students and staff of the Media Department at Clydebank are once again organising Annual Film Competition on the 11th June.

Students from all film and media classes are preparing to submit the films they have made in the course of the year to a panel of eminent industry judges.The red carpet event will include a colourful

champagne reception, presentation of the nominated films (categories are short film, documentary, comedy and promotional film), and finally the awarding of prizes including an overall ‘best film’ winner.

This competition generates great excitement in and around the college and a considerable amount of media interest.

HND Creative Industries: Media and Communication Student, Mark O’Donnell, hosted the 2013 ceremony.

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Above: Emma Sanders and Kate Cotter, Media Department lecturers.

On the right: Paulina Krzyzaniak and Etienne Kubwabo, HND Creative Industries: Media and Communication students.

Above: Julie Laing, Head of Media Department, presenting

Award to Matthiew Donachie, HND Creative Industries: Media

and Communication student.

Below: Nick Higgins, director, presenting Award

to Christopher Tolmie, HND Creative Industries: Media and

Communication Student.

Left: Fhiannan McIvor, NC Creative Industries: Media and Communication student, filming the Focus on

Film reception.

Below: Larisa Gormal and Kevin Harvey, HND Creative Industries: Media and

Communication students.

Above: William Scott, HND Creative Industries: Media and Communication student, during his speach.

Below: NBS from Glasgow - Levent Nyembo, André Serraino and Romaryo Lebe Sinanduku, entertainment of the evening.

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Useful Links

West College Scotland Clydebank CampusAugust Full-Time Courses open now!

www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk

Mediargh offers advice, resources and support to people who are interested in media production. It also hosts one of the UK’s most active job boards.

www.mediargh.com

Site for jobs in Scotland

www.s1jobs.com

Information from West Dunbartonshire Council. Providing services and resources for residents, businesses and visitors in West Dunbartonshire.

www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk

The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

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