an event, led by the Vice Principal of Learning and Teaching, bringing together the Directors of
Education, Head Teachers and College Directors of Learning and Skills. Quarterly meetings
with Deputy Head Teachers were instrumental in evaluating current provision and identifying
requirements for 2015-16. Staff development sessions with guidance teachers in each of the
local authorities contributed significantly to understanding how schools and the College can
work effectively in implementing recommendations Developing the Young Workforce.
7. To raise awareness of the importance of vocational education for individuals, communities and
employers, the College ran a major PR campaign throughout the year to showcase how we are
working with and supporting employers and to develop Ayrshire’s workforce. As well as
generating hundreds of news stories showing how students were contributing to the local
economy, the College produced dozens of short videos demonstrating the links with employers
and showcasing student success. These resources were promoted to the media, on the
College website and through a range of social media platforms, which resulted in widespread
and regular coverage of positive stories in the regional press. In 2015-16, the College will build
on this comprehensive, proactive approach, with a particular focus on raising awareness on
how we are meeting the ambitions set out in the Scottish Government’s youth employment
strategy, Developing the Young Workforce.
Developing the Young Workforce
8. Ayrshire College supports the Scottish Government’s ambition of a world-class system of
vocational education. The previous paragraphs demonstrate how we have advocated this over
the past 18 months and reinforced our commitment in our strategic plan. To achieve this, the
College’s OA is firmly based on labour market intelligence and clearly set out how we will
shape our curriculum and delivery arrangements to address the priorities of the region. Key to
our success is building on our well-established, productive partnerships with local authorities,
schools and employers.
9. The College has already made significant progress on the themes outlined in the government’ s
strategy. In summary, our focus for 2015-16 will be on:
Creating more vocational options during the senior phase of secondary school, developed
through effective partnership with schools, local authorities and employers
Improved opportunities for all students, in particular young people at risk and those living in
areas of multiple deprivation
A concerted effort with stakeholders to reduce gender imbalance on take-up of courses, in
particular to attract more women into engineering and computing courses, and more men
into care courses
An enhanced focus on the strategic regional growth sectors of engineering and science,
hospitality and tourism, and c