Quality Report 2015 | страница 41

CARE, EDUCATION, SPORT AND FITNESS Responding to a request from students for industry level resources, the College installed software used in GP practices across Ayrshire, such as EMIS and Docman, in all campus sites. Experience of using this software in College enabled students to engage in more depth while on placement, which increased their progression routes and outcomes. A high proportion of students secured employment due to successful placements. We provided real life experience for students by delivering over 1,000 work placements and introducing work experience on all SCQF Level 6 Health and Social Care courses. Although care is a key employment sector in Ayrshire it struggles to recruit and retain staff, in particular in homecare. In 2014-15, the College supported the sector by encouraging men to select care courses and careers through a series of targeted events. This resulted in an increase in the conversion rate from applications to enrolments from male students for new courses developed and designed to address key sector issues. Health and Social Care In 2014-15, we reviewed our Care curriculum to provide enhanced progression routes to university. This resulted in an increased number of students progressing into year three of the BSc in Childhood Practice and an increase in the number of students who were offered University places directly from SCQF Level 6 programmes. To improve student engagement, we introduced Achieving Success sessions where successful applicants were invited into the College during the summer break to complete administrative requirements of the course. Students heard from student services and finance staff which helped ensure they had applied for the right course, applied for their bursary and identified any learning needs to inclusive learning teams in advance of courses starting. AYRSHIRE COLLEGE / QUALITY REPORT 2014/15 41