Supporting Young Talent: Abercorn High School Pupils Complete Community Garden Project

At City of Glasgow College, we are proud to support the next generation of skilled learners — and our recent collaboration with Abercorn High School is a shining example of what can be achieved when education and opportunity come together.

Following a request from our Supported Education department to upgrade the planters in the 4th Floor Community Garden space, it quickly became clear that a full replacement was needed. Rather than completing this work ourselves, we saw a fantastic opportunity for the Abercorn High School pupils currently studying on our National 3 Construction Skills programme to step up and take on a real-life project — putting their learning into practice and building skills that will serve them well in the future.

These pupils, who previously received construction skills training through outreach sessions at their school, have been welcomed into our College workshops as part of the School College Partnership Programme. This move has given them access to professional-grade facilities, equipment, and PPE, allowing for better support and a more immersive learning experience. Under the expert guidance of lecturer Phil Inglis and our workshop team, the pupils demonstrated dedication, creativity, and teamwork — from producing timber cutting lists to preparing, painting, and assembling brand-new planters for the community garden.

Reflecting on the project, Phil Inglis said: "We previously taught construction skills at Abercorn High School through non-accredited outreach, providing hands-on experiences. This year, we’ve brought the class into our College workshop, giving the pupils access to a professional learning environment and the opportunity to achieve a National 3 qualification. This planter project has been the perfect way to enhance their skills and give them meaningful work experience they can truly be proud of."

The pupils themselves have shared how much the experience has meant to them. Marc Carruther said: "It's been great to be involved in both a creative and worthwhile project." Nbou Hiso added: "I've enjoyed working on the project. We did painting and built the planter using hand tools."

The success of this collaboration has gone beyond the garden itself. It has been a confidence-building journey for these young learners, showing them what’s possible with hard work and support. In fact, the programme has inspired the school’s first-ever foundation apprenticeship student — a milestone achievement for both Abercorn High School and City of Glasgow College.

This project perfectly highlights the power of partnership, the value of practical experience, and the positive role the College can play in nurturing talent and supporting future pathways for local school pupils. We’re excited to see where these young learners go next — and proud to have played a part in their journey.