Prizes for NAFC Students
Fourteen students were awarded prizes on Wednesday at the NAFC Marine Centre UHI’s annual awards ceremony in recognition of their efforts and achievements during the academic year 2018/19.
The awards, spanning a range of subjects which included aquaculture, fishing, engineering and navigation, were presented in front of an invited audience by Dr Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of City of Glasgow College.
In his introductory remarks Dr Little reminded the audience that events such as the NAFC prize giving were an important opportunity to publicly celebrate the achievements of all the students who have attended the college, not only those who were being awarded prizes. Dr Little stressed that by inspiring and developing students, colleges such as NAFC played a critical role in supporting local economies; a role that was often not recognised.
The prize-winners were only a few of the more than 1,700 students that enrolled on full or part-time courses at the NAFC Marine Centre during the last academic year – an increase of more than a quarter from the previous year.
Full List of Prize Winners
Fishing
MA Level II Fishing Prize
(sponsored by the Hunter & Morrison Trust)
The prize for the best student to have completed a Modern Apprenticeship in Sea Fishing at Level 2 was awarded to Lee Odie who is on the local whitefish trawler Sharyn Louise (LK 250). Lee had previously been named as 'Trainee Fisherman of the Year' at the Fishing News Awards in 2018.
Aquaculture
Jim Tait Prize for Aquaculture
(sponsored by the Hunter & Morrison Trust)
The Jim Tait Prize for Aquaculture for the best student completing a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture (SCQF Level 5) was awarded to Emma Rochester of Cooke Aquaculture, based in Yell.
Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation Award
(sponsored by the Scottish Salmon Producer’s Organisation)
The Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation Award for the best student completing a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture (SCQF Level 7) was awarded to Gari Watson of Dawnfresh Seafoods, based at Tervine on Loch Awe in Argyll.
Ertie Nicolson Prize
(sponsored by the Hunter & Morrison Trust)
The Ertie Nicolson Prize for the best student completing a Technical Apprenticeship in Aquaculture Management (SCQF Level 9) was awarded to John William Laurenson of Grieg Seafoods, based at their Punds Voe site.
Engineering
Jim Thomas Memorial Trophy
(sponsored by the NAFC Marine Centre)
The Jim Thomas Memorial Trophy for the shore-based engineering student who has best displayed the qualities that the late NAFC engineering lecturer Jim Thomas treasured and promoted in his students was awarded to Aidan Hunter for his efforts while completing a National Certificate course in Engineering Practice. Aidan is now undertaking a modern apprenticeship in engineering with Malakoff Ltd.
NAFC MA Engineering Prize
(sponsored by the NAFC Marine Centre)
The NAFC Modern Apprentice of the Year (Engineering) Prize for the best student completing a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering was awarded to Danny Arthur who undertook his apprenticeship with DH Marine (Shetland) Ltd.
Merchant Navy Officer Cadets
Nautical Institute Prize
(sponsored by the Shetland Branch of the Nautical Institute)
The Nautical Institute Prize for endeavour and achievement by a first year Deck Officer Cadet was awarded to Alasdair Bendall. Alasdair is from Peebles and was sponsored by DAO Shipping through Anglo-Eastern.
Northern Lighthouse Board Prize for a Deck Cadet
(sponsored by the Northern Lighthouse Board)
The Northern Lighthouse Board Prize for a Deck Cadet awarded to the best deck officer cadet in their group in terms of academic achievement, excellence in assessment and consistent professional performance was awarded to Magnus Thompson from Whalsay. Magnus is sponsored by Northlink Ferries through Clyde Marine.
Northern Lighthouse Board Prize for an Engineer Cadet
(sponsored by the Northern Lighthouse Board)
The Northern Lighthouse Board Prize for an Engineering Cadet awarded to the best engineer officer cadet in their group in terms of academic achievement, excellence in assessment and consistent professional performance was awarded to Corey Forest. Corey, from Inverbervie in Aberdeenshire, has completed two years of his cadetship, sponsored by Solstad Offshore through Clyde Marine.
Clyde Marine Prize for an Engineer Cadet
(sponsored by Clyde Marine Training)
The Clyde Marine Prize for an Engineer Officer Cadet was awarded to Thorfinn Grey who successfully completed his cadetship in 2019. Thorfinn is from Orkney and was sponsored by Solstad Offshore through Clyde Marine.
Clyde Marine Prize for a Deck Cadet
(sponsored by Clyde Marine Training)
The Clyde Marine Prize for a Deck Officer Cadet was awarded to Ann Groat who completed her cadetship in 2019. Ann is from Shapinsay in Orkney and was sponsored by Vroon Offshore Services through Clyde Marine.
Clyde Marine Cadet of the Year
(sponsored by Clyde Marine Training)
The Clyde Marine Cadet of the Year Prize was also awarded to Ann Groat.
Bells Nautical Trust Prize
(sponsored by the Bells Nautical Trust)
The Bells Nautical Trust Prize for outstanding effort and achievement by a Deck Officer Cadet in their final year was awarded to Jack Tate. Jack is from the south of England and was sponsored by DAO Shipping through Anglo-Eastern.
North Star Shipping Prize
(sponsored by North Star Shipping)
The North Star Shipping Prize for excellent effort and achievement by an Engineer Officer Cadet was awarded to Magnus Merriman who successfully completed his cadetship in 2019. Magnus is from Orkney and was sponsored by Vroon Offshore Services through Clyde Marine.
UHI Students of the Year
NAFC UHI Further Education Student of the Year
(sponsored by the University of the Highlands and Islands)
The prize for the best UHI Further Education student at NAFC was awarded to Alasdair Bendall for the hard work and excellent attitude he displayed during his first year of training as a Deck Officer Cadet (sponsored by DAO Shipping through Anglo-Eastern).
In addition to his studies, Alasdair took on the role of Highlands and Islands Student Association student representative for his class. Alasdair was always polite, respectful, courteous helpful to his classmates, and immaculately turned out in his uniform – a splendid role model to all students and a worthy winner of this award.
NAFC UHI Higher Education Student of the Year
(sponsored by the University of the Highlands and Islands)
The prize for the best UHI Higher Education student at NAFC was awarded to Huw Baxter who has just successfully completed his training as a Deck Officer Cadet (sponsored by DAO Shipping through Anglo-Eastern).
Throughout his three years of training Huw made a positive impression on lecturers and staff and showed himself to be a natural leader amongst his peers. He set a positive tone within his class and provide considerable support and assistance to his fellow students. His consistent good nature, ability and willingness to help others made him an obvious choice for this award.