Future Roofing is an exciting DYW Ayrshire innovative project delivered in partnership with KRB (Ayr) Ltd. Funded by DYW Ayrshire in 2025, the programme provides young people with valuable industry experience and nationally recognised qualifications, including N5 Creative Industries, specialist roofing qualifications and CSCS card certification.

This year, eight pupils took part in the project, with three already progressing to college, demonstrating the positive and measurable impact of this innovative pathway.

The project is led and supported by:

• Anita Hall, Depute Head Teacher with DYW Portfolio

• Jane Sinclair, Principal Teacher of Design & Technology

• Andy Kerr, Director, KRB (Ayr) Ltd

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Head Teacher Oonagh Browne, followed by an overview of DYW Ayrshire from Walter Smith MBE. Guests also heard from the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire & Arran, Iona Sara MacDonald OBE, who spoke about the importance of the Future Roofing Project.

The formal ribbon-cutting then marked the official launch of the project.

Presentation of the Wishing Well

The second part of the ceremony highlighted community collaboration. A beautifully crafted Wishing Well, made by Men’s Shed Ayr and Prestwick, was formally presented to representatives from Hansel Village by the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire & Arran, Iona Sara MacDonald OBE. The Wishing Well will be tiled by Andy Kerr and the pupils of the Future Roofing project on site at Hansel Village, further strengthening the partnership between education, industry and the wider community.

The event served not only as a launch but also as a celebration of success, with barista pupils serving coffee and nail bar pupils offering complimentary hand massages to guests. Commemorative plaques were also handmade within the school using the laser cutter funded by DYW Ayrshire to support the PEO.

Prestwick Academy continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to Developing the Young Workforce, equipping pupils with practical skills, recognised qualifications and meaningful pathways into further education and employment.

Distinguished Guests

The event was attended by a range of valued partners and supporters, including:

• Sheriff Iona Sara MacDonald OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire & Arran
• Gavin Pitt, Education Quality Improvement Manager
• Walter Smith MBE, DYW Ayrshire Business Ambassador
• Ellie Philp, DYW Ayrshire Marketing & Events Coordinator
• Andrew Kerr, Director of KRB (Ayr) Ltd
• Frank Tanner, Chairman of Men’s Shed Ayr and Prestwick
• Neil Gallagher, Hansel Village
• Sharon Dowey, Member of the Scottish Parliament
• MSPs and Local Counsillors
• Construction Industry Training Board
• Prestwick Academy Parents Council Member & Parents

Many thanks to the pupils and staff at Prestwick Academy for delivering such a successful launch event, and to all partners and guests who attended and supported the celebration.