Three Highlands and Islands training organisations have been recognised for innovation at the annual Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) awards, held in Glasgow on Monday 21st November 2005.

The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) award recognises innovation in the HIE area, by an SQA centre in meeting a rural or small business training need by creating local access to Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).

Train Shetland was presented with a gold award, Highland and Moray Accredited Training Services (HiMATS) received silver and JHP Training and Argyle and Bute Council were awarded bronze.

As part of the Shetland Islands Council Economic Development Unit, Train Shetland is the main provider of vocational training, in the form of Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships, in Shetland.

With over 200 trainees spread over 35 different occupation disciplines throughout Shetland, Train Shetland has made use of modern training solutions to overcome the challenges associated with lengthy, expensive and often disruptive college blocks on the mainland. As a result, vocational qualifications are steadily growing in popularity for both businesses and employees in Shetland. 

HiMATS is a voluntary led organisation working throughout the Highlands and Moray to offer a range of qualifications in the early years and childcare sectors. HiMATS has continually strived to reduce barriers of accessibility, geography and low demographics that are common in the Highlands. 

JHP Training was approached by Argyll and Bute Council to help provide training for the Education to Work programme at Oban High School. This proved to be very popular and by the end of the first year 25 pupils had registered to take part. 

This partnership has continued to develop and JHP now gives guidance and support to six schools and over 100 candidates. This success means that the Education to Work initiative continues to be part of the curriculum and many young people are gaining valuable work experience and qualifications.

Alex Paterson, director of developing skills at HIE, said: "It is very encouraging to see such a high calibre of organisations being recognised under the HIE Award category. All three of the winners have used innovation and partnership working to overcome the challenges of providing access to training in rural parts of the Highlands and Islands or to small businesses to which the time and financial costs of training can be a barrier."

In addition to the HIE award, Aquascot, the Alness-based independent fish processing company received bronze for Business of the Year award. Now in its third year of SVQ provision, 90 per cent of all its operatives participate in SVQs at level 1 or level 2. Aquascot is an SQA Approved centre and the business is now seeing the benefits of its approach to training - staff turnover is down by 60 per cent, absenteeism has fallen and reported accidents cut in half.

Robin Irvine, from Ullapool High School received bronze for the Academic Excellence award. Robin obtained six 'A' grade Highers in fifth year, while taking part in a wide range of extra curricular activities, including the school's Young Enterprise company, drama and various sports.

Kyshiea Steele, from Kilchuimen Academy, was presented with bronze for School Candidate of the Year award. Kyshiea is described by her school as "a formidable young woman who is prepared to take control of her own life, her learning and the cause of others".

She is currently on track for achieving her dream of studying veterinary medicine at university. Kysheia's veterinary ambitions are rooted in her experience at an Inverness veterinary practice and a local riding centre. She works voluntarily for the SSPCA and recently took part in the Surgical Skills competition organised by the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.