PLATINUM PARTNER A LETTER TO AYRSHIRE BUSINESS FROM AYRSHIRE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL, ANGELA COX

As the new Principal of Ayrshire College, I am impressed by the level of partnership that so many of our businesses have with the college. These work best when employers understand their future skills needs and work with the college to develop a robust talent pipeline and understand the reskilling and upskilling requirements of their current workforce.

In a rapidly changing world, driven by technology, a climate emergency and global socio economics, I am also aware that we need to do more to engage with industry in a different way and evolve our approach to skills development and delivery.

We know that industries are struggling to recruit enough people, and although this is testament to the excellent growth and opportunity that exists across Ayrshire, we are at risk of not realising our potential if we don’t take advantage of new technologies that will reduce the need for some unskilled roles and invest in the development of the skills required for the future workplace.

Ayrshire College has an important role to play in supporting industry to resolve this, but it requires collective leadership across business, education, and skills. A crucial aspect of this is to have considerably more in work learning. To do this we require business leaders to work with us to create these opportunities.

I have been bowled over by the number of hidden gems across Ayrshire, that are competing and thriving in a global economy, and as I continue to learn about our region, I am committed to ensuring that Ayrshire College plays its part in creating a prosperous Ayrshire economy.

The cost-of-living crisis is adversely impacting local communities, including charities like Break The Silence who are seeing an increase in demand for services, and experiencing increased costs of service delivery.

Income to fund their work comes from a variety of sources; contracts, trust and foundation awards and grants, and through donations. A recent survey from Charities Aid Foundation found that 14% of people plan to cut back on charity donations in the next 6 months.

Walk for Break The Silence in this year’s Kiltwalk and help raise vital funds. Kiltwalk events are great fun with lots of supporters to cheer you on and with entertainment provided. You can take part alone as a personal challenge, with friends, family, team-mates or with work colleagues as a team building or health and wellbeing activity.

By entering and taking part you also get the chance of winning £30,000 credit for a car of your choice and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are confirmed for the after party!

www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

Operations Manager, Craig Hume said: "This is a massive achievement for our team.

"We can’t thank all of our amazing customers, tour operators and sales reps enough for their support over the past 13 years.

"Your support has ensured that our business has gone from strength to strength and expended over the years whist keeping our customers at the forefront of everything we do.

Thorne Travel was named the UK and Ireland’s Top Travel Agency in 2018 at TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies and Scotland’s Top Agency in 2018 and 2020.” www.thornetravel.com