Dundee College runs a full-time course “Introductory to Welding & Fabrication” aimed at school leavers.
After successfully completing the course, students are left high and dry, as the college does not run the follow-up course required to complete or gain an apprenticeship.
My son completed this course and at the time we thought him lucky as he found a job offering him an apprenticeship.
He has now worked four months for the company but when his employer applied to the college for either day release or a block course to gain the qualifications to complete a modern apprenticeship he was told they did not run this course.
His employer was so impressed with my son’s work he has explored other avenues but came up blank.
The outcome is my son will now lose his job and any chance of fulfilling his dream as a welder.
I feel the system not only let my son down but any student that sits this course is in for a soul-destroying experience. — Unhappy Mother.
Parking problems at school
I would like to highlight the disgraceful parking of cars at St Joseph’s Primary School in Bellfield Street, Dundee. Most days there can be between 20-30 cars parked on double yellow lines on both sides of the road at approximately 3.15 pm.
Recently we had the ridiculous carry on where an ambulance could not pass. — Concerned Reader.
Call for action
When is something going to be done about ordinary drivers who park in child and disabled spaces at Dundee’s Overgate.
I have asked parking attendants about this and they say they are bringing out passes. I can’t wait.
Asda is about to start fining people for parking in the wrong spaces. Everyone else should follow suit. — Tracey Cree.
Poverty and deprivation
I welcome MSP Marlyn Glen’s persistence in highlighting the fact Dundee has huge problems of poverty and deprivation following Labour’s eight years of power in Holyrood.
However she must temper her understandable zeal to rectify eight years of stagnation by realising that Dundee’s and indeed, Scotland’s problems cannot be cured overnight. — Scotus.
Great night
We were lucky enough to win tickets to Cream Of Clapton tribute band in a Tele competition.
The band was brilliant and we had a great night. — Jennie and Terry.
Sad reflection
Reading about the elderly lady subjected to intimidation on a Dundee bus indicates how low certain sections of our society have sunk.
I hope the parents of this young thug and those who thought him so amusing are really proud of their children.
But of course they will not believe their little treasures could act in such a disgraceful manner.
However, a more disturbing feature arises from this incident.
It would appear no other passenger came to this lady’s defence.
This is hardly surprising as to challenge this scum would inevitably bring a mouthful of abuse at least and the strong probability that police would take exception to this form of intervention and take the side of the abuser. — InverG.
Gripping yarn
The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) was a recent Channel 4 matinee movie starring Michael Rennie.
Few films possess such a gripping yarn as this sci-fi sparkler.
Its 6 ft 3 in tall star was born on August 25, 1909, in Bradford and acted with the York Rep in his early days.
On TV, I remember him as Harry Lime in The Third Man (with its catchy theme-music) in the early 60s. — J. I. Matthew.
Death penalthy call
I agree with Jimmy Borland regarding the death penalty. Around 75% of people in Britain polled think the same.
Rapists, murderers and drug dealers are the three bands of folk I would have no problem in seeing executed. — Steve Thomson, Tayside BNP.
Ring found
A gold ring with coloured stones has been found in Camperdown Park, Dundee.
If you can describe it I will be happy to return it. — 01382 642128.
Suicide alley
Why were no police officers put on traffic duty on February 21 when the high winds caused the failure of the signals at the newly-completed Claverhouse junction?
Trying to cross from Linlathen towards Mill O’ Mains was akin to “suicide alley”.
When I reported the situation to the police, I was told they know about it and that “Bear Scotland is on the way”.
However, half an hour later I was forced to play dodgems again.
It is pathetic that despite the million or so spent on “improving” this junction, a little gust of wind can cause so much chaos. — Headlights.
[A spokesman for Tayside Police said: “After the fault was reported, the relevant authorities were contacted.
“Engineers attended and had the lights operating within 45 minutes.
“During this time a police patrol car maintained a visible presence and slowed vehicles down whilst repairs were undertaken.”]
Pavement parking
Because of parking on pavements I have to walk on the road when getting off the Outer Circle bus at Gilburn Road in Dundee.
I phoned the police but this is still an accident waiting to happen. — Bus User.
Only want vote
Bring back the birch for the yobs who go around vandalising people’s cars and property.
Nobody wants to know. The only time politicians listen to people is when they want your vote and then it’s back to ignoring us.
It’s time something was done. — Reader.
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