Two Highlands and Islands training organisations have been recognised for innovation at the annual Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) awards, held in the Sheraton Hotel, Glasgow yesterday (Monday 20 November 2006).

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

Train Shetland was presented with a gold award for the second year running, Parklands Limited received silver.

As part of the Shetland Islands Council department of Lifelong Learning, Train Shetland is the main provider of vocational training, in the form of Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships programmes, in Shetland.

They provide access to over 20 Modern Apprentice frameworks in 37 different occupations, ranging from hairdressing to engineering.  These programmes incorporate over 60 SVQs and currently have more than 180 candidates from over 70 local employers. 

Shetland's geographical location proves to be the main challenge to accessing and delivering training in the area.  To overcome this, Train Shetland has developed strong, and in some cases unique, partnerships with colleges, assessors and training providers outside Shetland. 

Parklands Ltd is a care home operator that coped with major change to remain viable. The company is based in Buckie and operates care homes in Buckie, Keith, Aberlour and Grantown. The introduction of free personal care in Scotland in 2002 changed the market overnight. To overcome this, the company used a new ground breaking and innovative approach to managing care homes, by using a mobile trained nurse to support shift leaders which can now be used as a model for others. 

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.  Both winners have used innovation and partnership working, whether to overcome the challenges of providing access to training in rural parts of the Highlands and Islands or to overcome financial costs of training can be a barrier."

In addition to the HIE award, Rachel Tolsworthy of Thurso High School received bronze award for Academic Excellence award.  Rachel gained nine Standard Grades at level 1 in all elements.  She is also a talented actress and singer and, as a member of the school drama group, has appeared in the annual school show for the last three years.  Rachel pursues this interest outside school as a member of the Thurso Players.