The Gowrie Care’s clients gained their SCQF Levels 3 and 4 Adult Achievement Awards in partnership with LEAD Scotland.

The Adult Achievement Award, which was a global first when launched in Dundee in 2015, recognises and accredits learning that has been acquired through undertaking activities including volunteering, work placements and engaging with other learning environments.

Niamh Kelly, Gowrie Care project worker, said: “For some of our clients this will be the first accredited certificate they have ever received. Many people we work with left school without qualifications so it’s quite an achievement.”

On receiving his award, Charles Prophet added: “I have always had a keen interest in gardening and wildlife so volunteered with the MAXwell centre to take this further. When I started the Adult Achievement award I was not confident at all and didn’t think learning new things was for me. However by the time I completed the reflective diary element of the award my confidence increased and I now want to continue learning and look forward to it.”

George Johnson had attended another course run by Gowrie Care Futures and wanted this learning recorded.

He said: “It was a chance for me to record what I had learnt on the Dundee Futures IT course and to have the skills I gained acknowledged and recognised. I only left school with Standard Grades and there is now a chance for me to do the Adult Achievement Award at a higher level in the future. To achieve the equivalent of a Higher would be a great thing for me and really build my confidence.”

A celebration event took place at Gowrie Care’s Learning Place in the Hilltown where participants were presented with their certificates and congratulated by senior staff.