Students Win Arnold Clark Scholarship

Four Fife College students who study automotive subjects have been awarded a scholarship from Arnold Clark for their commitment to their studies.

Luke Brown (18) from Kirkcaldy, Mark Adair (18) from Glenrothes and Keir Gardiner (21) and Jordan Bachini (18) from Leslie, were delighted to receive awards to assist them with their studies. Part of the scholarship also includes a placement and possible job opportunity for each student with Arnold Clark which the students will begin in the coming months.

The awards were made through the Adam Smith Foundation, which looks after the College’s scholarship programme, and were presented at a special event held at the College’s Stenton Campus in Glenrothes. Both Keir and Mark received £500 while Luke and Jordan were awarded £250 each.

Vice Principal for Curriculum Dorothée Leslie and Gaynor Jarrett, Trust Fundraiser for the Adam Smith Foundation, welcomed the award winners. They were also delighted to welcome Eddie Hawthorne, Managing Director of Arnold Clark, who presented the award winners with their certificates.

Also in attendance was Carol Henry, Director of HR at Arnold Clark, Ian Taylor Group Operations Manager, GTG (Arnold Clark’s Training Services Company), Stephen Ayton, Curriculum Manager for Mechanical and Automotive Engineering at Fife College and Tom McPherson, Vice President of the Fife College Student Association.

Eddie Hawthorne spoke to students and guests, stressing the importance of good customer services within Arnold Clark and explained more about the work placement linked to the scholarship, which is a fantastic opportunity for the award winners.

Eddie said: “Arnold Clark is Europe’s number one independently owned family-run car dealer and we are committed to ensuring we take on board the right people who have the passion and skills to keep us at the forefront of our business.

“Supporting this scholarship through the Adam Smith Foundation and the College enables us to meet first-class students, recognise their achievements and provide a range of opportunities to help them progress in their careers.”

The four students were all very pleased to have received scholarships from Arnold Clark. Luke said: “I am delighted to have won this award and plan to spend the money on tools to help me progress my skills. Long term I hope to reach the top of my trade by becoming a Master Technician.”

Gaynor Jarrett, Trust Fundraiser for the Adam Smith Foundation, added: “The four award winners are a credit to the college and we are delighted that Eddie, Carol and Ian have joined us today to make this such a memorable occasion.

“The Adam Smith Foundation is a unique programme that helps hundreds of students each year by giving them a helping hand and recognition which provides them with the boost they need to progress their studies and begin their career. I would like to congratulate the students on their achievement and thank Arnold Clark for their continued support.”