Issue - meetings

An update was tabled from Argyll College.

There was no update from Argyll College.

The group noted the report from Argyll College which was tabled at the meeting.

Fraser Durie informed the group of the key focus areas by the College - which included:-

Agriculture

Hospitality

Tourism

Renewables

He advised on the close working partnership between the College and Argyll and Bute’ Council’s Economic Development team.  In addition, he highlighted the ongoing support from Wind Towers Ltd and the importance of the Lochgilphead Engineering Centre.  Darlene Russell reported on the new HNC in Hospitality in conjunction with the LEADER programme.

Darlene Russell informed the group that the recruitment process for Full time courses commencing August 2013 at Argyll College had begun.

She reported on 2 new courses an HNC in Hospitality and Agriculture; the HNC in Agriculture could be networked.  Darlene advised of the accreditation of the Fire Service's Young Fire Fighters certificate which would be implemented in August 2013.  Darlene detailed an example of local success; the Schools for Work Award which had been won by a local student in Tarbert.

Darlene would provide information on forthcoming Open Days at Argyll College.  She detailed another initiative which was focusing on skill sets for the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and these would include Security qualifications, Customer Care and Hospitality.

Ishabel Bremner reported on the new Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership Group which was an action-based partnership endeavouring to match local skills to potential employers.  She advised that the Principal of Argyll College was one of the  Board members.

Fraser Durie reported on on-going discussions with HIE - in regards Skills and Education across Argyll, Bute and Arran. He advised that Argyll College did not have a HQ, but operated in various centres across the area.  The College regularly liaised with schools on employability and potential job areas.  He reported that the 1st cohort at the Construction Energy Renewal Centre were due to complete their course.

He continued that UHI had identified the need to attract people back to the South West Highlands. 

Susan Paterson highlighted an area of concern - Health and Social Care (H & SC).  She stated that it was critical to train personnel in this area and detailed the difficulties in accessing a course for people not already working in H & SC.  Darlene responded that she was aware of this issue and courses were available at the College and welcomed referrals.   

Councillor Semple reported on the gap between people who could undertake specific streams of work and the completion and submission of relevant tenders for this work.  He continued that Argyll College need to interact with partner agencies.  Barbara Halliday replied that she regularly referred businesses to Argyll College.

Fraser Durie is the new head of Argyll College -  Fraser reported that  Argyll College is about to become part of a regional college incorporating all the highland colleges this will be a separate institution,  but a close academic partner of UHI

Main course areas being considered so far have been tourism, food and drink renewable engineering Fraser noted the good news that the current engineering facility in Lochgilphead is at capacity

In response to a question for Dierdre Henderson, Fraser Durie indicated that in his view good broadband access is essential for the success of online curriculum development and delivers such as are being undertaken by the Colleges  

Darlene Russell reported that Michael Breslin had retired as Principal and the new Principal was Fraser Durie.  She hoped that Mr Durie would attend the next KIWG meeting. Thereafter she advised on the forthcoming Graduation Ceremony advising that the Student of the Year was a local resident.