Training and educational issues are key for any organisation considering business location or inward investment. Education and Training facilities in North Ayrshire are of the highest standards with Ayr College, Paisley University located close by, Kilmarnock College and James Watt college firmly established in the area. Glasgow University, Strathclyde University and Caledonian University are 40 minutes away.

The highly developed skills base has proved a significant attraction to companies seeking to invest in Scotland. In North Ayrshire, the direct provision of education and learning facilities have been further enhanced by the new James Watt Further Education College in Kilwinning, which opened in August 2000.

Equally important are North Ayrshire's excellent research, development and training facilities geared to match the needs of industry and commerce. These facilities have evolved to accurately reflect the demands of modern business. A number of industry-led training centres have been established to serve the needs of all Ayrshire.

• The Ayrshire Management Centre provides high quality management training.
• Call Centre Training at James Watt and Kilmarnock Colleges.
• The Scottish Textile Technology Training Centre is located in modern purpose built premisis and is the only facility of its kind in the West of Scotland.
• The Hannah Research Institute is an international scientific research centre based just outside Ayr.

As a business location, North Ayrshire has a skilled and highly trained workforce capable of adapting to the ever changing nature of employment; excellent global communication links; an array of world class training and further education establishments geared to match the needs of modern industry; and an outstanding quality of life. These qualities have already attracted an impressive range of international companies such GlaxoSmithKline, Wilson Sporting Goods and Finnish paper giants UPM-Keymmene.

Where a specific skills issue is vital to the securing of an inward investment opportunities exist to form partnerships with local education facilities to address any labour market imbalances. Tailor-made courses can be designed, in association with an inward investor, and delivered locally to agreed standards.

In addition skills training is available to all SME’s through North Ayrshire Council. (see company development section).

Ayr College
Kilmarnock College
James Watt College
Scottish Agricultural College
The Hannah Research Institute

Paisley University
Glasgow University
Strathclyde University
Glasgow Caledonian University