A unique partnership between West College Scotland (WCS) and St Peter the Apostle High School will give S6 pupils the opportunity to combine learning at school with a one year HNC at college.

This is the first project of its kind in the west of Scotland and will see the group of teenagers split their learning between school and college.

It is proposed that the pupils attend the college’s Paisley campus two days per week to attain an HNC in electronic and electrical engineering whilst continuing their sixth year school studies over the remaining three days.

If successful at HNC level, the college would then guarantee a place on its HND course for session 2015-16, before offering progression to a third year degree course at university.

If the young students wish to pursue an alternative discipline, the HNC would enhance their qualifications and provide a sound basis for any engineering based course of study.

West College Scotland has established articulation agreements with a range of universities which guarantees a number of places.

It means that, within just two years of leaving school, pupils could have earned a degree.

Pupils recently attended an open morning at West College Scotland, Paisley Campus, and are excited about the possibility of kickstarting a college course while continuing their school studies.

Claire Chisholm, depute head teacher at St Peter the Apostle, has been working closely with Andrew Fogarty, head of engineering at WCS, to create this special learning opportunity.

Mrs Chisholm said: “This will give 14 of our pupils a great opportunity of gaining an HNC in engineering this year through day release.

“This has not been done before in Clydebank and we’re all very excited about the benefits for pupils and the potential of this partnership.

“The pupils will then hopefully progress from HNC to HND next year, then into third year at University. It really is a huge opportunity for the pupils and is in line with the new West Dunbartonshire Council focus on positive, sustainable destinations for schoolkids.” Andrew Fogarty, Head of Engineering at WCS, said: “We are delighted to partner with St Peter the Apostle to deliver this innovative programme in HNC electronic engineering for S6 pupils. This will provide a clear articulation path to university and enhance career prospects within the advanced engineering sector.” The following pupils are the first group set to begin the HNC course: Liam Powell, Lewis Macvicar, Sam Gallacher, David Seagrave, Martin Leck, Aidan Murray, Craig Cowan, Jamie Fox, Paul McLaughlin, Drew Gill, Bryan Murray, Zac Doherty, Mikey Hopkins and Graeme Fitzpatrick. This particular HNC is specific to the kind of advanced manufacturing work that Scotland is renowned for, and there are a wide range opportunities both for further study and employment.

Owing to the strong support from West Dunbartonshire Council, Fiona McKenzie, head of learning communities at WCS, Alison Mitchell, schools liaison manager and Andrew Fogarty, head of engineering, the young people involved will gain not just an HNC but vital skills for life, learning and work.