Pioneering Role is First in the UK
- Details
- Created on Thursday, 23 August 2012 14:18
SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE have announced a pioneering new role, after confirming the appointment of the UK's first ever apprentice Students' Union President.
This means that Layla Adaci - a 19 year old former Beauty Therapy and Art & Design student at South Devon College from Brixham – will be undertaking an apprenticeship qualification at the same time as acting as Student President of the South Devon College Students’ Union (SDC:SU).
Toni Pearce, NUS Vice President (Further Education) said: "It's incredibly exciting to see South Devon College electing the UK's first ever sabbatical Students' Union President who is undertaking an apprenticeship qualification at the same time. It's a pioneering step in terms of learner voice in a time of college cuts and youth unemployment, showing a real commitment to both the student population of South Devon and the individual post holder.”
Layla was elected from 3 candidates to be SDC:SU Student President this summer and will undertake a level 3 management apprenticeship with the college.
“I’m very proud to have been elected SDC:SU Student President, a big thank you to those who voted for me and a big thank you to South Devon College for offering me this outstanding opportunity,” said Layla, “I just want to make sure that every student knows about the activities and events happening in and around the College and has just as much fun and excitement as I had as a student here, hopefully even more!"
Miss Pearce went on to say: "The role of a Student Union President is varied and differs from college to college, so it can be difficult for the individual to express the skills they've gained. By undertaking an apprenticeship linked to their role, such as Level 3 Management in the case of Layla at South Devon College, the student is able to leave their role in office with something employers understand.”
He added: "We're really hoping that other colleges who don't already have a traditional sabbatical role but really want to invest in their students' union speak to us and South Devon College about this approach as it's a great and innovative way to both build capacity for student lead learner voice practices and strong autonomous campaigning unions."
For more information please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
