Queen's Anniversary Prize
Aberdeen College receives prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education
Aberdeen College was presented with one of the Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education 2010 at a high profile ceremony held on Friday 19 February. The College's successful entry was entitled "Delivering skills in the oil and gas industry and supporting community cohesion".
Principal of Aberdeen College Rob Wallen and Manager of Aberdeen Skills and Enterprise Training (ASET), Graham Beattie, were presented with the Prize Medal and Certificate by Her Majesty the Queen and the HRH Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace. Following the ceremony, students and staff had an opportunity to discuss their work with The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh at an informal Palace reception.
The Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education are a national honour recognising world-class excellence, in any aspect of an institution's work, which demonstrates evidence of originality, innovation and benefit for the wider community. Prizes are awarded every two years.
Aberdeen College was shortlisted and selected for their award winning training, facilities and innovation within the oil and gas sector, delivered by the College's engineering department and specialist training company, ASET, and the College's efforts in supporting and encouraging unity within the local community. It is the second time that ASET has been recognised following success at the initial awards in 1994.
ASET Ltd is a fully owned subsidiary company of Aberdeen College and accredited worldwide as a specialist training provider, delivering skills to international students in Aberdeen and to international organisations throughout the world. ASET has created a number of global partnerships including links with SENAI (the Brazilian national government agency for industrial training).
Aberdeen College Principal, Rob Wallen said: "It is an honour for Aberdeen College and the College company to receive this award and for the College's work to be celebrated at such a prestigious event. We are wholly committed to supporting the oil and gas industries and encouraging community inclusion and cohesion within Aberdeen and we are delighted that the Royal Anniversary Trust has recognised our efforts in those areas."
Student representatives from the College's Engineering and ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) courses also attended the prize giving and ceremony.
Aberdeen College Chairman, Ken Milroy said: "To be recognised as a world class leader in our training within the oil and gas sector is a great honour and we are very proud to receive this highly regarded award. Our staff, students and partners are fundamental in helping to achieve these goals through their commitment and hard work. We are delighted to accept this Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education."