The event is a celebration of the former students’ hard work and gives their family, friends and employers the opportunity to share their pride in their efforts. In normal circumstances, the Ayrshire College graduates would receive a set of tools at this event.

Unfortunately, this year it has been impossible to hold the event owing to the current restrictions on indoor events. However, Ayrshire College has contacted 86 students to let them know they are still eligible to receive a set of tools to help them in their careers.

Students will be able to arrange a collection time that suits them to receive their tool kits at an Ayrshire College campus.

Students from the following curriculum areas receive tools: Beauty therapy, complementary therapy, hairdressing, make-up artistry, hospitality, aeronautical engineering, landscape gardening, engineering and renewables, motor vehicle, and trades.

John Mather set up the Trust in 1996 to help young people in the West of Scotland get started in their trade. Since then, over a thousand students at Ayrshire College have benefitted from the generosity of the Trust.

Carol Turnbull, Principal at Ayrshire College, said: “It’s vitally important that we celebrate the achievement of our students – particularly this last year, when getting a job in their chosen trade will have been even more of an achievement than in previous years.

“Due to the pandemic, we could not hold an event this year, however we are recognising and rewarding our students as best we can.

“We would like to thank all of the John Mather trustees for their generous funding of these awards.”