THE latest trainees from Essentials Plus Training Academy to graduate included the first students of a new gardening course based in Beith.

This year saw a huge leap forward for the local training company, with the first horticulture and landscaping course being run as well as the extremely successful childcare course, which trains people to work with children who have additional support needs

Both courses were funded by Skills Development Scotland with referrals to the training coming from their partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions.

Managing Director Marianne Greenway said: “Yet again we have had a great group of trainees. We have been able to open a second training academy at the old Geilsland School site in Beith working closely with Beith Community Development Trust. Our trainees have worked hard at Beith to bring the grounds back to life and gain the skills they need to move into horticulture.

“Of our childcare trainees, one has secured her place at Ayrshire College to continue with her training, another has started volunteering at a local nursery for further experience before moving on to train as an early years practitioner.

“The horticulture course has also been a success with one trainee securing a job interview for the week after the course and another moving straight into a Modern Apprenticeship with Beith Community Trust.”

Patricia Gibson MP attended the graduation to present the certificates to both the childcare and horticulture trainees, some of whom were picking up eleven certificates.

Training Manager Christine Powell said: “I have to thank the employers who have attended at both Saltcoats and Beith over the six weeks and to Beith Community Development Trust .”