Ayrshire College was proud to partner with local employers for the third consecutive year to host the Social Care Service Showcase at the College’s Dam Park Building in Ayr on Wednesday 25 March 2026.  The annual event brings together social care providers from across the authority to engage with students, highlight the range of services delivered locally, and promote the diverse career routes available throughout the sector. 

 

With increasing demand for skilled and compassionate workers in Scotland’s care sector, Ayrshire College is committed to helping students make strong transitions into employment. By connecting them directly with employers, the College ensures learners gain valuable insights into real world practice, understand what roles involve day-to-day, and begin forming professional relationships that can lead to placements, apprenticeships and jobs. 

 

The Showcase plays a key role in the College’s employer engaged approach, supporting students to build confidence, clarify their career goals, and learn about the impact that social care has on individuals, families, and communities. 

 

Tom Wilson, Health and Social Care Lecturer and organiser of the event, said: 

Events like the Care Showcase give our students a unique opportunity to meet and learn directly from local social care providers. They provide a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the vital work being done in our communities and explore the variety of career paths available within the care sector.

HNC Health and Social Care student, Jennifer McIlwraith, said: 

The event was highly engaging and a good opportunity to network with other people in the sector.

NEED ANOTHER - HNC Care & Administrative Practice student, [name], added: 

It was great being able to talk to providers face-to-face. Hearing their stories about working in the sector made it feel real, and it’s motivated me even more to go into social care once I finish my course.
Employer Gayle Potgieter from Aspris said: 
Returning to the Care Showcase is always a highlight for our team. Meeting students face-to-face allows us to share the realities and rewards of working in social care, and we love seeing their enthusiasm and curiosity about the sector. Events like this help inspire the next generation of carers.
By continuing to collaborate with local employers and prioritise hands-on learning experiences, Ayrshire College is helping build a strong and resilient social care workforce equipped to support communities now and in the future.