This is the fourth hub to open in North Ayrshire, building on the success of Stevenston, Kilbirnie and Irvine hubs. Most of the clients are referred from Jobcentre Plus and for help seeking employment, training or volunteering opportunities. There is also support available for managing debt, applying for benefits or housing, and developing skills in literacy, numeracy or computer skills.
Jane McKie, Vice Principal for People and Skills, who performed the opening ceremony said, “The employability hub is another first for Ayrshire College – we are the only College in Scotland to offer this service to our students and our community. Everyone visiting the hub will find a warm welcome and practical advice. I hope by actually coming through the doors of our college people will find out what they can achieve here. It may be they take a first step into learning or get the help the need to find a job.
“This facility will also be a great benefit to our students as they will have direct access to our partners who include NAC Employability and Skills team, CEIS Ayrshire, Citizens Advice, and Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisors. They will be able to help them take their next step after College.”
Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “I am delighted we have teamed up with Ayrshire College to open the first employability hub within a College in Scotland.
“This is the fourth employability hub to be opened in North Ayrshire, all offering excellent facilities to help local people access the right training and support available to find a job.
“Kilwinning employability hub will be a fantastic resource for the students by helping them make the right connections to help them find a job after their course.
“I would encourage students and the wider community to use the hub and get the help they need in order to get into work or further their training.”
Peri Owens, Employment Advisor with CEIS, who was a previous client at the employability hub said, “I started doing work experience at the Stevenston Hub. The support I received from the team of advisors, really helped boost my confidence to help me find a job.”
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