Ayrshire College is proud to announce it has been shortlisted as a finalist in three categories at the prestigious Herald Education Awards, recognising excellence, innovation and impact across Scotland’s education sector.
The College has been recognised for its work in Innovative Use of Technology, Partnership Award, and Outstanding Business Engagement, reflecting its continued commitment to delivering forward-thinking education and meaningful partnerships.
Innovative Use of Technology – The Nexus
Ayrshire College has been shortlisted for its pioneering digital platform, The Nexus, a student-facing virtual reality (VR) and metaverse environment developed by the Student Association in collaboration with the College.
Designed to enhance the digital student experience, The Nexus provides an inclusive, interactive space where students can access services, information, campaigns and student-led activity in an engaging and immersive way.
At its core, The Nexus aims to remove barriers to engagement by offering a flexible, accessible platform that can be used anytime, anywhere, and on any device, with no need for specialist equipment or downloads.
Importantly, the platform complements existing services rather than replacing them, representing a shift towards technology-enabled student support and community building. Its student-centred design prioritises belonging, voice and digital confidence, with students playing a key role in shaping the environment alongside platform partner Frame VR.
The Nexus demonstrates how emerging technologies can be used creatively and responsibly to build inclusive, meaningful student experiences.
Partnership Award – EcoPreneur
The College has also been recognised for EcoPreneur, a collaborative project delivered in partnership with South Lanarkshire College and Dumfries & Galloway College.
This cross-college initiative has embedded entrepreneurial thinking into programmes, reimagined curriculum design, and supported educators to develop the skills needed to drive innovation in a net zero economy.
EcoPreneur reflects a shared commitment across Scotland’s college sector to prepare students for future industries, equipping them with the mindset and capabilities required to address sustainability challenges and create economic opportunities.
Outstanding Business Engagement – Prestwick Aerospace cluster
Ayrshire College has been shortlisted for its outstanding business engagement through its strategic partnership with the Prestwick Aerospace cluster, supporting one of Scotland’s most significant industrial sectors.
Working with leading employers including GE Caledonian, Collins Aerospace, Ryanair, Prestwick Aerosystems and Woodward, the College has helped address critical skills shortages following the rapid post-pandemic recovery of the aerospace industry.
Through targeted pre-apprenticeship, Modern Apprenticeship and upskilling programmes, Ayrshire College has supported a 300% increase in Engineering Modern Apprenticeship opportunities over the past three years. The College is also now a Civil Aviation Authority-approved centre for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) qualifications.
This collaborative approach is helping to build a strong talent pipeline, supporting industry growth, enhancing workforce capability, and securing the future of the aerospace sector in Ayrshire and beyond.
A national recognition
Being named a finalist in three categories highlights the strength of Ayrshire College’s approach to innovation, partnership and student experience.
Vice Principal (Skills & Enterprise), Sara Rae said:
We are incredibly proud to be recognised as finalists in three categories at The Herald Education Awards. This achievement reflects the creativity, dedication and ambition of our staff, students and partners.
At Ayrshire College, we are committed to delivering innovative, inclusive and future-focused education, and it is fantastic to see that work recognised on a national stage. We are especially proud to be representing the very best in education across Scotland.