TICA has won the SQA’s Outstanding Centre of the Year (wider UK) accolade at this year’s ‘Star Awards’.

The annual Scottish Qualifications Authority awards recognise commitment, achievement and innovation across Scottish education and training.

The announcement was made at the awarding body’s event in Edinburgh on Friday (3 November).

SQA Chief Executive, Dr Janet Brown, said, “I have been overwhelmed by the dedication of our winners and have been privileged to hear moving stories of learning journeys. Our winners are an inspiration to us all!

“The SQA Star Awards shine a light on the incredible support provided to learners by teachers, lecturers, schools, colleges, employers, and training providers, encouraging them to reach their potential, and it is right that we give our exceptional centres the recognition they truly deserve.

TICA’s Chief Executive, Marion Marsland, and Operations Manager, Madeleine Hill attended the ceremony at the Assembly Rooms to collect the award.

‘Loose Woman’, and journalist, Kaye Adams hosted the ceremony, and Scottish Skills Minister John Swinney made the presentations.

SQA is the awarding body for TICA’s NVQ qualifications.

“This award shows just how far our centre has come under the guidance of our IETTL, and with the input of more appropriately  skilled staff,” explained Marion.  “We were shortlisted against two major training providers and there were some large colleges at the event, including Cardonald College, who, until two years ago, delivered TICA’s training programme to our Scottish apprentices.”

“It goes without saying that we are very proud of our Darlington training centre, our facilities, staff and learners,” adds Madeleine (pictured on the right, with  SQA Chief Executive, Dr Janet Brown.)

“Everyone at the centre plays their part in improving standards and implementing procedures and standards which have lifted us to our current levels.

It’s great to have secured a place on the shortlist, but to have actually won is absolutely marvellous.”

Find out more about the 2017 SQA Star Awards here.