Putting skills in spotlight

West College Scotland is kicking off 2018 by boosting links between the college and local employers.

The Paisley college has launched the West of Scotland Skills Survey, which is the first of its kind to be conducted by a Scottish college or university.

The online survey marks a new way for the college to engage with businesses and aims to help build a modern workforce

Audrey Cumberford, principal of West College Scotland, said: “As Scotland’s largest college and a leader in the region we serve, West College Scotland is committed to working with partners and employers to build a modern workforce, sustain a thriving economy and help people achieve their potential.

“The survey is just one way that we are engaging with employers in Renfrewshire and across our region to ensure that the West is able to overcome the challenges and grasp the opportunities of a competitive global economy.”

The online survey aims to gather the views and experiences of employers in the West region, focusing on their skills, workforce and business support needs.

It is hoped the findings will be used to better inform the work of the college and its efforts to tackle the skills gap.

The survey is open to employers of all sizes in Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Dunbartonshire – and closes on Friday, March 9.

Leaders in education, local government and business are urging employers across Renfrewshire to participate.

To find out more, go to www.westcollegescotland. ac.uk/skills-survey