The current and future skills needs of Ayrshire is at the heart of a new strategic partnership between Ayrshire College and University of the West of Scotland. The partnership commits both institutions to work collaboratively to address current and future economic opportunities across Ayrshire.

The two institutions have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement that demonstrates the intention of both partners to strengthen and develop links to deliver a vision for regional skills, one that will have wide ranging benefits for staff, students and the wider community. A key component of this is a focus on delivering a comprehensive skills portfolio in areas of strategic importance within the Ayrshire Growth Deal and Regional Economic Strategy, including digital, aerospace, healthcare and nursing, creative industries and enterprise. 

The agreement underscores the mutual intent of Ayrshire College and UWS to work closely together to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable tertiary education provision for Ayrshire to meet current needs as well as the innovation required for the future. This will include developing the workforce across the organisations and working together on facility and service development to deliver an efficient and joined-up presence across Ayrshire.  

Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, highlighted the ambition behind the partnership:
“This newly formalised partnership between the University of the West of Scotland and Ayrshire College is firmly focused on the needs and aspirations of the people of Ayrshire and in strengthening the role we play as anchor institutions locally."

This agreement allows us the opportunity to jointly plan ahead to deliver a comprehensive and integrated regional skills portfolio for the people and employers of Ayrshire now and in the future.

Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Ayrshire College and UWS are both committed to Ayrshire and proud of what we both contribute to the area. We both share an ambition to play an even-greater role, by working together and fulfilling the needs of people, businesses and organisations across the region.” 

The strategic partnership outlines how the organisations will seek to work together to deliver transformative change aligns to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically: good health and well-being (SDG3); quality education (SDG4); decent work and economic growth (SDG8); and sustainable cities and communities (SDG11).