ESSENTIALS Plus Training Academy in Saltcoats held their second graduation of 2017, with 10 graduates having passed several subjects.

Pictured with the most recent trainee graduates are Training Manager, Christine Powell, and Councillor Anthea Dickson who presented the certificates.

This year, the training academy was awarded SQA accreditation which will allow them to provide even more opportunities to the local community.

The Childcare and Horticulture courses have been extremely successful with one trainee starting in the next few weeks with Ayrshire Children’s Services.

Another of the ladies missed the graduation picture due to the second job interview in two days and one young man is awaiting news on his army medical.

Both courses were funded by Skills Development Scotland with referrals to the training coming from their partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions and North Ayrshire Education Department at Auchenharvie Academy.

Managing Director, Marianne Greenway, said: “Yet again we have had a great group of trainees who threw themselves into the course work.

“The horticulture course has evolved, taking a more community approach to practical experience our trainees receive.

“Working with two local elderly care homes our trainees maintain the outside space to allow access for the residence.

“The childcare trainees have all shown great promise and will continue to receive support they need to gain suitable positions.

“One of our trainees is now working with Capall Dorcha Theatre Company, with the aim to become a facilitator for their youth theatre.”

Training Manager, Christine Powell, added: “Yet again I have to thank the employers who have attended over the six weeks leading to applications being submitted and offers of interviews.

“Thank you for supporting our successful venture.”

If you wish to train with Essentials Plus in either horticulture, landscaping or childcare please call 01294 601974 for more details.

According to the academy, 93 per cent of those who made that call in 2017 are now in work.