Local learners recognised at awards

TWO Shetlanders have been highly commended at this year’s Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) awards.

David Spence, who is originally from Yell but now lives in Lerwick, was recognised in the lifelong learning (candidate) category.

Whalsay’s Rhona Tait was highly commended in the training organisation candidate section.

Spence began his career as a road worker with Shetland Islands Council, but since then he has achieved a number of SQA qualifications, including an SVQ in construction contracting operations management.

He was promoted to roads inspector and is now “inspiring colleagues in the roads department to undertake qualifications, and is supporting them in the process,” the SQA previously said.

Tait, who is a building maintenance officer with the council, achieved an SVQ in built environment design during an apprenticeship.

She has been working on projects like the modernisation of the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary, and she also visits schools to give talks about opportunities in the construction and engineering sector.

Deputy first minister John Swinney commented: “These awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and success of our young people across Scotland and the education and training providers who support them.”