Last week, His Excellency Sir John Lorimer visited University College Isle of Man’s (UCM) Homefield Road Campus.
During the visit hosted by UCM’s new principal (Mrs) Jesamine Kelly, His Excellency enjoyed hands-on experience of some of the vocational courses offered at the University College.
The visit included a tour of the wide range of real working environments, a visit to the newly refurbished ‘#2’ canteen where students enjoy their breaks and meals, the Digital Enterprise area ‘#1’, collaborative study areas and met with the Student Services team.
During a tour of the Art, Design, Media and Music Faculty His Excellency tried his hand at free machining on the sewing machine with a crash course from UCM Fashion Lecturer, Billee Saade.
The tour was topped off with tea and cake served in the Annie Gill Café which is open to the public and is staffed by Foundational Learning students who are working to boost their confidence and improve their interpersonal skills within a realistic café environment.
His Excellency said: “I was delighted to visit UCM’s Engineering Skills Test at the Hills Meadow campus in March and was so impressed by the students and facilities, that I wanted to see what else UCM offers.
“The Homefield Road campus didn’t disappoint. What a fantastic level of facilities that the Island’s young people and wider community have access to. Hearing about the positive experience students have, was lovely and this will no doubt foster a culture of lifelong learning which is so important to the development and growth of the economy.
“I was impressed by the wide range of courses available at UCM, which gives students the chance to study in an area that really excites them without having to leave the Island. The staff I have had the pleasure of meeting are all experts in their industry fields, which will no doubt provide students with the best foundation for entering the workplace once they finish their qualifications.
“It’s also fantastic to see how UCM fosters a culture of inclusion for all levels of learning and people within our community.”
UCM Principal, (Mrs) Jesamine Kelly, added: “We were thrilled for His Excellency, Sir John Lorimer to visit UCM to see what we have available for the Isle of Man Community. As a provider of learning for a variety of different levels and ages from 14 – 16 years looking for alternatives to GCSEs right through to mature students who want a fun evening course, we’re pleased to play a big part of the community.”