Employer forums and strong employer
“engagement
across the engineering areas
provides strong intelligence to inform
programme planning and delivery. The College
responds promptly to feedback from employers
where programmes don’t exactly match
their requirements, and generally provide
solutions. Effective, regular communication
with employers based on mutual respect and a
strong commitment to employer engagement
allows the college to share plans and targets for
the future with local companies.
”
Education Scotland’s review of off-the-job training in
Engineering Modern Apprenticeships
As part of our enhanced quality process, we hosted a
series of industry sector workshops for employers to
review our existing curriculum and help shape future
courses. An important outcome was that new employer
skills forums will be set up in 2015-16 for hospitality and
care to further enhance engagement and validation in
these sectors.
Intelligence gained from our extensive engagement
with employers and business organisations in Ayrshire,
combined with analysis presented in the Regional Skills
Assessment for Ayrshire and Skills Investment Plans for
various industry sectors, shaped the College’s curriculum
delivery plan for 2015-16.
Meeting current workforce needs
The college offered an increased range and number
of short and bespoke courses to meet the workforce
development needs of local employers. In 2014-15,
187 courses were delivered to over 1,700 employees
to increase their skill levels or achieve accreditation
relevant to their vocation. Reflecting the needs of the
local economy, the majority of these short courses were
delivered to employees in the hospitality and tourism
(44%), engineering (27%), and care (23%) sectors.
550
Businesses used training
services provided by
the College
1,700
Employees on
187
short courses
Bespoke training and assessment sessions were carried
out to support specific recruitment drives of employers
such as Hargreaves in East Ayrshire. The company
needed to recruit quickly and approached the College for
assistance. We advertised their vacancies to motor vehicle
and engineering students, arranged interview sessions
and a selection process, and supported the company in
recruiting five Modern Apprenticeships. This resulted in
very positive outcomes for the students as well as the
company.
AYRSHIRE COLLEGE / QUALITY REPORT 2014/15
59