Ayrshire College students were celebrated for their hard work, dedication, and achievements at the John Mather Trust Awards, held at our Kilmarnock Campus, last night (Tuesday 4 March).
The event recognised 144 students who have secured jobs, apprenticeships or started their own businesses in the past year. Each were awarded specialist tools and equipment to support their next steps.
Held during Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the ceremony brought together students, their families and their employers to reflect on their achievements. Many of the students recognised on the night are already making an impact in their industries, proving the value of work-based learning and hands-on training in shaping successful careers.
The event was opened by Aidan McIntyre, Apprentice Co-ordinator at GE Aerospace. As well as being an alumnus of Ayrshire College, Aidan was also a previous John Mather recipient and his speech who highlighted the demand for skilled professionals in Scotland’s aerospace sector and the crucial role Ayrshire College plays in developing future talent.
Aidan said: “Our partnership with Ayrshire College is crucial to our business as they continue to bridge the gap between full time education and industry – continuously broadening the talent pipeline to give the talent across Ayrshire and beyond, skills and knowledge that gives them access to life changing opportunities. I say this with such confidence as a former apprentice and Ayrshire College student myself.”
Attendees also heard from Louise Collins, a fourth-year Ayrshire College apprentice employed by GE Aerospace and a John Mather Trust award winner in 2023. Louise has had an outstanding year, having been named both Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in February and Apprentice of the Year at the Ayrshire Business Awards in December 2024. She shared how her studies and apprenticeship have provided her with the knowledge, training, and opportunities that have shaped her success.
Louise said: “College prepared me for the industry by giving me the knowledge and skills that would be put to practice during my apprenticeship. My confidence has skyrocketed since starting my apprenticeship.”
The evening also celebrated Alexander McDougall, an apprentice with Collins Aerospace, who was awarded Apprentice of the Year. Sponsored and presented by Ayr Guildry, the award recognises exceptional commitment and achievement in an apprenticeship.
The John Mather Trust Awards have been a valuable source of support for Ayrshire College students for many years, ensuring that those moving into industry have the right tools to succeed. Since 1996, the Trust has helped thousands of young people across the West of Scotland as they take their first steps into employment.
Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, said:
"This event is a fantastic celebration of our students’ talent, dedication, and ambition. Their hard work is inspiring, and we are glad to support them as they take the next steps in their careers, across a wide range of industries.
"We extend our thanks to The John Mather Trust whose generosity ensures our students enter the workplace with the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Seeing role models like Aidan, Louise and Alexander thrive is a testament to the power of work-based learning and the strong partnerships that drive Scotland’s future workforce."