Young people celebrate achievements at Ayrshire College

Over 60 young people in Ayrshire have completed the Opportunities for All annual summer programme with the end goal of progressing into further learning, training or employment.

Led by the Council’s Education Service, the programme is delivered in partnership with Ayrshire College and a range of partners including Skills Development Scotland, ENABLE Scotland, Street League, Action for Children and the Council’s Vibrant Communities.

School leavers and other young people who are unemployed or not in education have had the chance to take part in the summer programme over the last six years which helps to build up confidence and teach crucial team building skills.

This year’s intake was the highest amount of participants the programme has ever had. Activities over the summer included army training drills, as well as visits to Blair Drummond Safari Park, Glasgow Science Centre, Inflata Nation, Newmilns Ski Slope and Ryze Trampoline Park.

The programme has once again proved to be a huge success, with the majority of participants moving onto positive destinations such as enrolling on college courses or gaining employment. A number of students spoke to the invited guests about how helpful the programme has been in helping them gain a new lease of life.

Depute Provost Claire Leitch attended a special celebration event to mark the end of the summer programme, where she presented the students with certificates of completion. She said: “The summer programme has been really beneficial for these young people who have come out of it with real enthusiasm and optimism. Thanks to all of the partners who were involved in ensuring that all the young people who took part had fun and learned a lot about themselves and others whilst gaining really transferrable skills.”

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