Ayrshire College
Ayrshire College is a Scottish further and higher education institution operating three campuses in Ayr, Kilmarnock, and Kilwinning, delivering 322+ vocational and academic courses to 10,000+ students with 800+ staff. It is funded primarily by Scottish Government and SAAS grants, with secondary employer-paid training and apprenticeship programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersAyr, United Kingdom
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Ayrshire College does
Ayrshire College is a public further and higher education institution serving the Ayrshire region of Scotland from three main campuses in Ayr, Kilmarnock, and Kilwinning, supplemented by specialized training facilities including the Aeronautical Training Centre at Prestwick, the Willie Mackie Skills Hub (low-carbon/construction), and the Renewables Centre of Excellence. The institution delivers 322+ courses spanning aeronautical engineering, construction, computing, business, hospitality, health and social care, and professional learning, supporting 10,000+ students with 800+ staff. Its core digital products are a Virtual Learning Environment (MyLearning), a student mobile app (my Ayrshire College), and an IT service desk (Unidesk), supplemented by 625 self-service laptop lockers and Eduroam Wi-Fi across campuses.
The college's business model is primarily government-funded: full-time non-advanced courses (SCQF Levels 1-6) are tuition-free for ordinarily resident Scottish students, while HNC/HND students apply to SAAS for fee coverage. Employer-sponsored training, Modern Apprenticeships, and bespoke workforce development programs — sold via the Business Engagement and Innovation team to employers including GE Aerospace, Vestas, Bridgend Motor Group, and James Frew — generate a secondary revenue stream. Public-facing facilities (training restaurants Westerly and Salt & Barrel, salons, venue hire) and Student Support Services (bursaries, childcare funding) round out the offering. Go-to-market is hybrid: direct-to-consumer online applications, community-led school-college partnerships targeting S4-S6 pupils, and sales-led employer engagement.
Ayrshire College operates as a Scottish registered charity (No. SC021177) and is the first official training partner of the £3.5 million Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (ASIF), part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, launched in October 2024. The college holds Investors in People Gold (2022), STEM Approved status, Green Gown Award (2019), and Disability Confident Employer accreditation. Its strategic positioning is anchored by proximity to Scotland's largest aerospace cluster at Prestwick and long-standing employer partnerships, with recent capital investments targeted at low-carbon and digital skills training.
Ayrshire College firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ayrshire College
- Legal name
- Ayrshire College
- Website
- https://www1.ayrshire.ac.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Ayrshire College is a Scottish further and higher education institution operating three campuses in Ayr, Kilmarnock, and Kilwinning, delivering 322+ vocational and academic courses to 10,000+ students with 800+ staff. It is funded primarily by Scottish Government and SAAS grants, with secondary employer-paid training and apprenticeship programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ayrshire College industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Further and Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs (EDAJAAAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)
Keywords
Where Ayrshire College is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ayr
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices7 records
Markets served
Ayrshire College business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government-Funded Further Education: Full-time non-advanced students (SCQF levels 1-6) who are ordinarily resident in Scotland do not pay tuition fees. Funding is provided through government student support mechanisms.
- SAAS-Funded Higher Education: HNC/HND students apply to Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for tuition fee coverage and/or student loans. Students must reapply each year.
- Part-time Fee Waivers: Students receiving certain state benefits (Income Support, JSA, DLA, Universal Credit, etc.) may have tuition fees waived for part-time day or evening courses.
- Business and Professional Training: Revenue from employers paying for workforce development, apprenticeships, SVQs, and bespoke training programs. Part-time Fee Grant available through SAAS for eligible higher education students.
- Student Support Services: Bursary, EMA, childcare funding, and discretionary funding distributed to eligible students, funded through Scottish Government and SAAS allocations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | NC Courses (SCQF Levels 1-6) - Free for Scottish residents |
| Subscription | Annual | HNC/HND Courses - SAAS Funded |
| Freemium | Annual | Part-time Fee Waiver - State Benefits |
| Subscription | Annual | Part-time Fee Grant (PTFG) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Employer/Sponsor Paying |
| One time/ perpetual license | Monthly | Self-Financing with Instalments |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Ayrshire College product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ayrshire College is a further and higher education college delivering more than 322 vocational and academic courses (full-time, part-time, evening, weekend, apprenticeships, foundation apprenticeships, SVQs, HNC/HND, professional learning) across three main campuses in Ayr, Kilmarnock, and Kilwinning. It also provides employer-facing workforce development, apprenticeship recruitment, bespoke corporate training, and venue hire, alongside public-facing training restaurants and salons.
Product overview
Ayrshire College offers educational services as a Further and Higher Education institution across three main campuses (Ayr, Kilmarnock, Kilwinning) with a portfolio of digital products supporting the learning experience. The primary digital offerings include MyLearning (Virtual Learning Environment) for course delivery and assessment, the my Ayrshire College mobile app for student services and engagement, and Unidesk for IT support. The institution provides vocational and academic courses across diverse subject areas including aeronautical, engineering, computing, business, health and social care, hospitality, and construction, alongside apprenticeship programmes, foundation apprenticeships, professional learning, and SVQ qualifications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Full-Time Further Education Courses (NC, SCQF Levels 1-6) Full-time vocational and academic courses at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Levels 1-6, free for Scottish residents, covering subjects including engineering, computing, business, health and social care, hospitality, and construction. Designed for school leavers and learners seeking entry-level to advanced qualifications.
- HNC/HND Higher Education Courses Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma courses funded via SAAS tuition fee coverage and student loans. Students apply annually to SAAS for funding. Targeted at learners seeking advanced vocational qualifications.
- Modern Apprenticeship Programmes Workplace-based apprenticeship programmes combining paid employment with structured college training, available across multiple sectors including aerospace, automotive, construction, engineering, and renewables. Recruited through the Business Engagement and Innovation team in partnership with employers.
- Foundation Apprenticeships School-based apprenticeship pathway programmes for S4-S6 secondary school pupils, enabling learners to begin vocational qualifications alongside their school studies. Provides progression routes to Modern Apprenticeships, further education, or employment.
- Part-Time and Evening Courses Flexible part-time day, evening, and weekend courses for adult learners. Fee waivers available for students receiving Income Support, JSA, Universal Credit, DLA, or other state benefits. Designed for working adults and learners seeking flexible study options.
- School-College Partnership Courses College courses delivered to S4-S6 secondary school pupils alongside their school studies through formal partnerships with East, North, and South Ayrshire secondary schools. Supports transition from school to further education or employment.
- Professional Learning Courses Short professional development and continuing education courses for working professionals seeking to upskill or gain industry-recognised certifications.
- SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) Scottish Vocational Qualifications delivered to individuals and employers across multiple sectors. Industry-recognised competency-based qualifications.
- Employer Workforce Development and Bespoke Training Tailored training programmes and workforce development solutions sold directly to businesses. The Business Engagement and Innovation team identifies skills gaps and creates bespoke training packages for employers across sectors.
- Venue Hire Hiring of college facilities including meeting rooms, conference venues, hospitality spaces, and sports facilities to external organisations and individuals. Enquiry-based with bespoke package options.
- Public Training Restaurants and Salons Public-facing training restaurants (Westerly in Ayr, Salt & Barrel in Kilmarnock) and hair/beauty salons (You Salon) where students gain practical experience while serving the public at cost-effective prices.
Quantifiable outcome
- Students gain apprenticeships with major employers including GE Aerospace and regional businesses
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Ayrshire College
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ayrshire College technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature5 records
Ayrshire College partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- GE AerospacecoreMajor apprenticeship partnership bridging education and industry. GE Aerospace works with Ayrshire College to develop talent pipeline for aerospace careers, providing apprenticeship placements and hiring graduates. Partnership spans over a decade of collaboration.
- VestascorePartnership for developing future workforce in UK onshore wind service operations. Vestas collaborates with college on training programs for renewable energy sector, supporting UK's renewable energy growth.
- Bridgend Motor GroupcoreAcademy programme partnership providing learners pathway to full-time employment in automotive sector through Modern Apprenticeship. Partnership spans generations of driving Ayrshire forward since 1930.
- James Frew LtdcoreJF Academy partnership providing dedicated joinery and plumbing classes at Willie Mackie Skills Hub. Modern apprentices attend college training while employed by the company.
- WoodwardcoreAerospace cluster employer partner at Prestwick, working with college on workforce training and apprenticeship development for aerospace sector.
- Collins AerospacecoreAerospace cluster employer partner at Prestwick, collaborating on talent development and training programs for aerospace industry.
- PAMLcoreAerospace cluster employer partner at Prestwick, working with college on workforce development and skills training.
- Spirit AeroSystemscoreAerospace cluster employer partner at Prestwick, collaborating on apprenticeship and training programs for aircraft design and manufacturing.
- Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund (ASIF)coreAyrshire College is the first official training partner for the £3.5 million ASIF, part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal. Fund offers bespoke courses supporting businesses and learners in Engineering, Digital, Clean Growth, and Visitor Economy sectors.
- Scottish EnterpriseminorNational economic development agency that offers support and helps businesses find and access funding opportunities. College refers businesses to SE for additional support.
- East Ayrshire CouncilminorLocal council partnership as part of economic development plan to support local businesses in East Ayrshire area.
- North Ayrshire CouncilminorLocal council partnership as part of economic development plan to support local businesses in North Ayrshire area.
- South Ayrshire CouncilminorLocal council partnership as part of economic development plan to support local businesses in South Ayrshire area.
- Scottish EngineeringminorIndustry body providing endorsement of college's aerospace apprenticeship programme and engineering training quality.
- Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC)minorCollege is member of APUC Ltd, the Procurement Centre of Expertise for universities and colleges in Scotland. Access to sector-wide framework agreements for procurement.
- National Union of Students (NUS) ScotlandminorStudent Association is affiliated with NUS Scotland, which unites students across Scotland to advocate for impactful changes. Students access NUS Totum Card discounts.
- Active Schools (East Ayrshire)minorCommunity partner for Connecting Communities initiative, promoting physical and mental wellness through sports and physical activities.
- Ayrshire SportabilityminorCommunity partner for inclusive sports initiatives including boccia tournaments and disability sports programs.
- Scottish Football Association (West Region)minorPartnership for hosting Deaf Football Festival, bringing together students and community with hearing impairments through football.
- Kris Boyd FoundationminorCommunity partner for Mental Health United football club promoting mental health and wellbeing among students.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Ayrshire College competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- West College Scotland: Scottish FE college formed in 2013 from the merger of three colleges, operating across multiple campuses in the West of Scotland. Comparable in scale, course mix (vocational + HE), and employer engagement model to Ayrshire College.
- Glasgow Kelvin College: Scottish FE college offering vocational and higher education courses with employer apprenticeship pathways in the Glasgow region. Comparable to Ayrshire College as a Scottish further education provider with apprenticeship and workforce development offerings.
- City of Glasgow College: Largest FE college in Scotland serving ~25,000 students with extensive apprenticeship and employer training programmes across multiple campuses. Directly comparable as a Scottish further education institution competing for the same Scottish Government funding and apprenticeship employer base.
- New College Lanarkshire: Scottish FE college with multiple campuses delivering vocational and higher education courses plus apprenticeship programmes. Comparable to Ayrshire College in size, regional focus, and apprenticeship/employer engagement model.
- Forth Valley College: Scottish FE college with campuses and specialist training facilities serving the Forth Valley region. Comparable to Ayrshire College in offering vocational, apprenticeship, and HE programmes with industry-specialist centres (similar in concept to Ayrshire's aerospace/renewables hubs).
- Borders College: Scottish FE college delivering vocational, apprenticeship, and HE programmes across the Scottish Borders. Comparable to Ayrshire College as a smaller regional FE provider operating under the same Scottish funding regime with similar employer partnership model.
- South Lanarkshire College: Scottish FE college offering vocational and professional training with employer partnerships across Lanarkshire. Comparable to Ayrshire College as a multi-campus regional further education provider with apprenticeship and workforce training.
- Dundee and Angus College: Scottish FE college delivering vocational, apprenticeship, and HE programmes across multiple campuses. Comparable to Ayrshire College in operating model, government funding mix, and regional employer partnership approach.
- Edinburgh College: Largest single-campus FE college in Scotland, delivering vocational and HE programmes plus extensive employer apprenticeship pathways. Comparable in mission and product mix, though larger and serving an urban rather than rural region.
- Fife College: Scottish FE college delivering vocational training, apprenticeships, and employer engagement across Fife. Directly comparable to Ayrshire College in mission (regional FE provider), funding model (Scottish Government + SAAS), and employer-focused apprenticeship programmes.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ayrshire College social profiles
Digital presenceAyrshire College compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Ayrshire College financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ayrshire College leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Ayrshire College funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ayrshire College M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ayrshire College
What does Ayrshire College do?
Ayrshire College is a further and higher education college delivering more than 322 vocational and academic courses (full-time, part-time, evening, weekend, apprenticeships, foundation apprenticeships, SVQs, HNC/HND, professional learning) across three main campuses in Ayr, Kilmarnock, and Kilwinning. It also provides employer-facing workforce development, apprenticeship recruitment, bespoke corporate training, and venue hire, alongside public-facing training restaurants and salons.
When was Ayrshire College founded?
Ayrshire College was founded in 2013. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Ayrshire College based?
Ayrshire College is headquartered in Ayr, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Ayrshire College make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Government-Funded Further Education is the primary driver. The others are SAAS-Funded Higher Education, part-time Fee Waivers, business and Professional Training and student Support Services.
Who are Ayrshire College's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are West College Scotland, Glasgow Kelvin College, City of Glasgow College, New College Lanarkshire, Forth Valley College, Borders College, South Lanarkshire College, Dundee and Angus College, Edinburgh College and Fife College.
Does Ayrshire College have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ayrshire College.
What industry is Ayrshire College in?
Ayrshire College's product category is Further and Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJAAAJ, Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs, with a secondary code of EDAHADAG, Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.