A team of computing students from Forth Valley College proved they were the best software devlopers in further and higher education by winning the first ‘Hack Day’ event.
The five second year BSc Applied Computing students beat off other teams from Glasgow University as well as teams from New College Lanarkshire and Ayrshire College, to claim the top prize at the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) World of Work Hackathon (Hack Day), held at the Fairfield Govan Heritage Centre on Saturday 19 November.
Bruce Redfern (20) from Alloa, Christopher Swan (21) from Bo’ness, Cameron Morrison (19) from Langlees, Falkirk, Cameron McCallion (22) from Bannockburn and Stefano Frazzetto (22) who lives in Stirling, were quick to praise the FVC Computing lecturers for helping them to develop their own skills which allowed them top win the event.
All the teams were set the task of programming an application for SDS which would lead to the creation of a heat map that would show the concentration of jobs across Scotland. The FVC team produced the best results and ideas on the day and walked away with a £1000 prize. Now SDS are looking at developing theses ideas – and the best ones produced by other teams on the day – to create the heat map for real.
Bruce, said:
“It was fun to take part and we came up with a lot of different ideas. Everyone was really passionate about the competition and went the extra mile on the day.”
Christopher, said:
“It was a really good experience. It was the first competition I have been involved in and winning was a real bonus.”
Cameron Morrison, said:
“It was a real mixture of emotions - shock, glee, happiness and to win the Hack Day was a bonus indeed.”
Cameron McCallion, said:
“Taking part in the Hack Day was a great experience and I really enjoyed it. I would love to do it again.”
Stefano, said:
“We were participating together to produce something unique and it was a great experience and one that I really enjoyed. I am ready to do it again.”
George Boag, SDS Director of Digital Services, said:
“The enthusiasm, ideas and focus the teams brought to the day was truly inspiring for all of the judges and the wider SDS team. Not only did we get a lot of great ideas to take forward, the students taking part gained valuable experience and made some great contacts.”
Vivien Gallacher, Curriculum Manager for Computing in the Department of Creative Industries, said:
“We are so proud of this team of students. Initially they were just delighted to be taking part in the event alongside teams from other colleges and universities. But for them to win it is fantastic and shows the high standard of expertise that allows students to develop their skills here at Forth Valley College.”
Martin Boyle, Head of the Department of Creative Industries, added:
“Digital skills and delivering outstanding training in this area will be absolutely key to the nation’s future success.
“At Forth Valley we’re absolutely dedicated to transforming the way computing is delivered, and we’re thrilled that this is paying dividends with the performance of our degree students at this competition. It’s testament to the hard work, dedication and imagination of our staff and students.
“Coding is the vital language of the future, and it’s great to see our students embrace it.”