IGNITE Programme Delivers Life-Changing Employment Opportunities Across Ayrshire
An Ayrshire Growth Deal programme is continuing to deliver outstanding results for local people and employers.
The Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (ASIF) is backed by £3.5 million Growth Deal funding to help employers grow and develop their employees and increase skills for Ayrshire residents, linking them to growth sectors and employment opportunities.
And the IGNITE programme is proving hugely successful and life-changing securing sustainable employment through employer-led training in the welding and motor trade sectors.
Delivered in partnership with leading Ayrshire employers, including J & D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd and Bridgend Motor Group, the IGNITE programme has been designed to equip participants with the skills, qualifications and practical experience needed to move directly into employment.
The welding programme has achieved remarkable success, with over 80% participants from the first cohort progressing into employment. The second cohort is already showing similarly positive outcomes, with 67% having secured jobs, and further employment opportunities expected as learners complete their training.
Among those benefiting from the programme is Sam from Irvine, who secured employment with J & D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd after completing the welding course.
Reflecting on his experience, Sam said: “The course has been fantastic. The instructors and boys on the course have been brilliant and supportive. It has genuinely improved my life and gave me stability and skills I didn’t know I was capable of, especially so soon.”
The automotive pathway to employment delivered in partnership with Bridgend Motor Group has also achieved exceptional results.
From the first cohort, 83% trainees secured employment, with eight participants directly employed by Bridgend Motor Group in Kilwinning. Building on this success, a further 43% of trainees who completed from the second cohort in Kilmarnock have been offered employment by Bridgend.
Lee from Maybole, who secured employment with Bridgend Motor Group following the programme, praised the direct route into work offered by the initiative.
He said: “I think it’s fantastic that there were a good number of people taken on at the end as I’ve been on courses before where there weren’t jobs at the end, but Bridgend are great and really keen to give opportunities.”
For Katie from Hurlford highlighted that the programme provided the practical experience she needed to begin her career in the motor industry.
Katie said: “The ASIF IGNITE course gave me hands-on experience in the workshop which I haven’t had the chance to gain up until now.”
Now employed in the workshop with Bridgend Motor Group, Katie is delighted to have the opportunity to develop her career in the sector and put her qualifications into practice.
The success of the IGNITE programme demonstrates the impact of strong partnerships between employers, training providers and employability services. By aligning training with real job opportunities, the programme is helping local residents gain meaningful employment while supporting Ayrshire businesses to address workforce and skills shortages.
Councillor Tony Gurney, Leader of North Ayrshire Council and Chair of the Ayrshire Joint Economic Committee, said: “The IGNITE courses are making a huge difference and it’s fantastic to hear from people who have taken part in the courses and secured employment off the back of that.”
“This investment through the Ayrshire Growth Deal is a testament to our commitment to economic renewal and providing our people with pathways to high-quality, sustainable careers. “
Recruitment is now underway for the next Welding and Motor Trade IGNITE programmes, with interest continuing to grow as employment outcomes remain strong.
The delivery partnerships with J & D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd and Bridgend Motor Group continue to go from strength to strength, creating life-changing opportunities for Ayrshire residents and helping to build a skilled workforce for the future.