Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund supports vital skills

The £3.5 million Ayrshire Growth Deal project was launched at the end of October 2023 to help employers grow and develop their employees and increase skills for Ayrshire residents, linking them to growth sectors and employment opportunities.
An aerospace engineering course will be starting in August 2025 as part of the innovative Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (ASIF) delivered by Ayrshire College who are recruiting for an aerospace engineering course that will help applicants gain essential skills for a fulfilling career in the aerospace industry
The 12-week course at the Ayr Campus – which starts on 25 August 2025 – will provide hands-on training and valuable insights and experience of an industry that’s growing across Ayrshire. During the 12 weeks, participants will gain essential skills for a fulfilling career in aeronautical engineering and hands-on training and valuable insights and experience of an industry that’s taking off.
Quote: We’ve already seen hundreds of employees’ complete courses which will enhance their skills and opportunities within key sectors in the Ayrshire economy. This aerospace course at Ayrshire College is another fantastic addition to inspire careers in engineering.”
Quote from: Councillor Brian Connolly, Chair of the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, although Ayrshire College are looking for candidates who have a technical background. This background doesn’t need to be in the engineering industry, but candidates should be able to demonstrate how their previous experience and hand-skills can be transferred into the aerospace industry.
An information session also takes place at Ayrshire College, Ayr Campus, on Wednesday 20 August at 9am.
Please apply via your local Employability Service, DWP, SDS, referral agent or contact the email below.
The Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (ASIF) is available to employers across Ayrshire. It offers them a chance to apply for funding – a maximum of £1800 per person – to help address skill gaps in their workforce.
ASIF has successfully awarded grants across Ayrshire - with dozens receiving funding to allow them to upskill around staff across the length and breadth of Ayrshire. Over 400 Ayrshire based staff have already benefited from the employer fund with many already gaining promotions.
Employees being given the opportunity must live in Ayrshire and be within one of the identified target groups – women, young people 16-24, low paid employment or long term health issue or disability.
For more information on the ASIF employers fund or to register with your local Employability service please email fairworkayrshire@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Published: 07 August 2025