Lovingly ripped from: http://www.adamsmithcollege.ac.uk/relations/public/pressreleases/default.aspx?prid=20101112N01

Three award winning computing students have been recognised for their achievements at a special presentation event held at Adam Smith College recently.

Back:Tony Gribben, Head of Public Sector for Cisco in Scotland, Dr Craig Thomson Principal Adam Smith College, Keith Noble Cisco Networking Academy Specialist at Adam Smith College Front:Andrew Philp, David Zhivkov, Pawel Debowski

Pawel Debowski, David Zhivkov and Andrew Philp proved they are national champions when it comes to computing networks after securing gold, silver and bronze medals at the WorldSkills UK competition held at the end of the summer.

The three students were delighted to be congratulated by Adam Smith College Principal Dr Craig Thomson and by Tony Gribben, Head of Public Sector for Cisco in Scotland. Mr Gribben also presented each student with the latest state-of-the art Flip video camera manufactured by Cisco.

Cisco is a multinational corporation which designs and sells consumer and business electronics, networking and communications technology and services. The company is a strong supporter of Adam Smith College’s Computing courses and has invested in technology to help train students studying at the College’s Priory Campus in Kirkcaldy.

Tony added, “It was a pleasure to meet the three winning students. They are a credit to themselves, to the College and to the computing industry. At Cisco we are committed to training individuals to meet their full potential. The successful partnership between Cisco and Adam Smith College ensures that this happens and can be measured by the continued success of award winning students such as Pawel, David and Andrew.”

Keith Noble, Cisco Networking Academy Specialist from Adam Smith College said: “We are very grateful for the ongoing support from Cisco who are helping to ensure we are producing students of the highest calibre who go on to further their studies at university or to secure jobs with great career prospects within the industry.”

Both Pawel, (25) from Dunfermline and David (21) from Kirkcaldy completed HND Computer Networking this year and have gone on to study BSc Applied Networking Technology at Edinburgh Napier University.

Andrew Philp (19) from Rosyth completed HNC/HND and BSc Applied Networking Technology at Adam Smith College and is now successfully working with IT companies DH Systems and Coast Networks.

Pawel is no stranger to winning gold. Originally from Wagrowiec in Poland, Pawel first competed in the WorldSkills events last year. The talented computing student went on to win gold medals this year and last year at the national WorldSkills UK Cisco Network Technician Competition.

Pawel said: “I have really enjoyed my first two years in Scotland. The Cisco Academy at Adam Smith College has great facilities; probably the best in Scotland and the course has given me the chance to progress to university as well as providing me with the practical and theoretical experience to win competitions such as the WorldSkills.

“Andrew, David and I were really pleased to be invited to attend the special presentation event held recently. Receiving recognition for our achievements from the College and Cisco along with new video cameras was the icing on the cake for us all.”