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07 AYRSHIRE UPDATE AYRSHIRE COLLEGE IN TOUCH WITH BUSINESS East Ayrshire Employment Fair South Ayrshire Jobs Summit Team North Ayrshire An Employment Fair, organised by Cathy Jamieson MP in Kilmarnock on 20 February, and supported by Ayrshire College, East Ayrshire Council, Skills Development Scotland and Jobcentre Plus, was a huge success. The response to the Employment Fair demonstrated the determination of local people to find jobs and a number of companies were recruiting on the day. The College was on hand to offer advice to local people interested in developing their skills and to local companies interested in taking on staff. The College has also supported employment fairs in Irvine and Beith. On 4 March, Ayrshire College joined employers and partners at a Jobs Summit in Ayr organised by South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership. Led by Professor Alan McGregor, we reviewed progress from last year’s Summit in the areas of entrepreneurship, work readiness, skills and training, and funding. Professor McGregor reported on South Ayrshire’s labour market and gave an assessment of current challenges. The Summit looked at how to address those challenges. Ayrshire College was delighted to support the creation of Team North Ayrshire, which was launched in Irvine on 25 November and aims to provide a one door approach to supporting businesses. Team North Ayrshire consists of leaders from the public and private sector, including Ayrshire College, who have committed to helping drive business growth in North Ayrshire. The College is helping to assess the skills needs of employers in North Ayrshire and identifying how to meet these. You can find out more at www.northayrshireforbusiness.com Business Solutions Over the n ext few months, the College’s Education Contracts and Business Development directorate will be re-locating to a customised Business Solutions suite in our Ayr campus. With dedicated professional training and meeting rooms to deliver bespoke courses for employers, and access to advice from a range of experts, we look forward to this being a key resource for Ayrshire’s business community. College courses for 2014-15 The College involves employers in sectors relevant to all subject areas in the curriculum planning process to ensure that course provision is based on projected skills needs for their sectors. The curriculum plan for 2014-15 has been heavily influenced by feedback from employers and Community Planning Partnerships, and responds to local and regional needs identified by them.