Ayrshire College has been recognised on the national stage after being named UK Training Provider Skills Champion at the Enginuity Skills Awards 2026.
The awards ceremony, held in London on Wednesday 1 July, celebrates organisations and individuals making an outstanding contribution to developing the UK's engineering and manufacturing workforce.
Sponsored by EAL, the UK Training Provider Skills Champion award recognises organisations that are shaping the future workforce through high-quality training and strong employer partnerships.
Ayrshire College received the award in recognition of its Supporting the Engineering & Aerospace Skills Pipeline for Ayrshire initiative, which brings together education, industry and public sector partners to address critical skills shortages across one of Scotland's most important engineering and aerospace regions.
The initiative provides clear pathways into employment through pre-apprenticeship programmes, Modern Apprenticeships, Graduate Apprenticeships and specialist upskilling opportunities, ensuring learners develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and industry experience employers need now and in the future.
Working closely with leading employers across Ayrshire and beyond, the College has expanded opportunities for learners while helping businesses recruit, develop and retain a highly skilled workforce. The initiative has resulted in growing learner numbers, excellent progression into employment and apprenticeships, and consistently high levels of employer satisfaction.
The award recognises Ayrshire College's strategic commitment to supporting regional economic growth, strengthening Scotland's engineering and aerospace sectors and delivering its Strategic Ambition of Empowering People for a Changing World.
Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, said:
Winning the Training Provider Skills Champion award is a fantastic achievement and recognises the dedication of our staff, learners and employer partners. Engineering and aerospace are vital to Ayrshire's economy, and by working closely with industry we are developing the skilled workforce businesses need to grow and innovate. This award reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for learners while supporting regional economic growth.
The award further strengthens Ayrshire College's reputation as a national leader in engineering and technical education. Through continued investment in employer partnerships, specialist facilities and innovative curriculum development, the College remains committed to equipping learners with the skills needed to succeed in rapidly evolving industries while supporting employers to meet current and future workforce demands.
Angela Cox accepted the award on behalf of the College at the ceremony in London, celebrating the success alongside representatives from Enginuity, EAL and organisations from across the UK's engineering and manufacturing sectors.
This national recognition reflects the dedication of the College's staff, learners and employer partners, whose collaborative approach continues to strengthen the engineering and aerospace skills pipeline across Ayrshire and beyond.