Connect Connect Autumn 2017 | Page 14

College News 3 YEARS ON SKILLS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE In October 2014, we opened our ground-breaking Skills Centre of Excellence in Irvine. Located in Irvine Royal Academy, this innovative shared campus enables a range of courses to be offered to people across Ayrshire and provides school students access to vocational courses previously available only by attending a traditional college building. The Skills Centre supports government ambitions to ensure all young people access high quality vocational qualifications based on labour market needs. 14 Our ambition is that all young people should experience the highest quality learning, complemented by relevant work experience or volunteering opportunities, in a setting that builds their confidence and gives them the best possible platform to progress onto further learning or employment. Courses support the skills needs of industry sectors with economic and employment growth potential in North Ayrshire, e.g. hospitality, care, sport and leisure, and engineering. In year one (2014-15), 343 students took part in The magazine of Ayrshire College “ The Skills Centre supports government ambitions to ensure all young people access high quality vocational qualifications based on labour market needs. ”