Quality Report 2015 | Page 68

SUPPORTING EMPLOYABILITY IN COMMUNITIES ESOL In 2014-15, the College worked with each local authority to support, develop and accredit SCQF level 2, 3 and 4 ESOL courses in the community. Twelve people from East Ayrshire, fifteen from North Ayrshire and nineteen from South Ayrshire achieved an ESOL qualification. I was encouraged to stay in Scotland by family, “although my English was very basic. I got a job as a homecare assistant and enjoyed speaking to the service users. My English improved a little which meant I could get a better job, and the night shifts meant I could come to college during the day. I found the course to be a great way to improve my English. I’ve now been promoted at work, and I am planning to go to university to study Health and Social Care. Karolina Madziarz from Poland ” The College helped community ESOL staff to share good practice and upgrade their skills through pan-Ayrshire training. College ESOL staff visited a range of community venues over the year including Castlepark Community Centre in Irvine, the John Pollock Centre in Ayr and Auchinleck Community Education Centre. 68 AYRSHIRE COLLEGE / QUALITY REPORT 2014/15 Project Search In 2014-2015, East Ayrshire’s Project SEARCH interns successfully graduated after 36 weeks of practical work experience in University Hospital Crosshouse. Project SEARCH is a partnership between NHS Ayrshire & Arran, East Ayrshire Council, and the College to help young people with learning disabilities and/or those on the autistic spectrum find and keep a job. All students in 2014-15 secured a positive destination, with five securing employment.