DUMFRIES and Galloway College (DGC) was proud to host the relaunch of an innovative series of networking events within the region.
Network 6, created by Dumfries and Galloway Chamber, is designed to help promote the huge range of training opportunities for businesses and organisations of all sizes — with the first event taking place on Tuesday, January 24, in the STEM Hub of the Henry Duncan Building for Research and Innovation at the college’s Dumfries campus.
DGC staff Eva Milroy, Account Manager, and Alison Jardine, Commercial Training Development and Delivery Manager, hosted the event for both Chamber members and non-members, sharing information on the latest short-courses and Open Learning courses.
As part of this, the newly formed partnership with West Coast Training (WCT) was announced. The college and WCT have joined forces to bring a range of industry-specific, NPORS-accredited courses to the region.
Ms Milroy explained how the current round of the Flexible Workforce Development Fund can help Scotland-based businesses finance staff development and training.
Depending on the size of the private, public or social enterprise, up to £15k can be applied for and funding is given out on a first-come-first-served basis.
The guests also learned how a Modern Apprenticeship can support a business and that events during Apprenticeship Week 2023 (w/c March 6) will provide opportunities to find out more and to promote vacancies to current students, school pupils and the wider public.
Patrick Brannock, of WCT, who attended the event with colleague Sean Doughty, said: “We are delighted to partner with the college to offer this range of NPROS-certificated courses, ranging from Abrasive Wheels to Construction Site Manager training. NPROS accreditations are recognised worldwide, hence the quality of training is assured at a local level.”
Kenny Bowie, from Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is great to see Network 6 up and running again.
“Having the College start off the new series of events has been able to set the scene of how important training and learning from one another is for any size of business.”
Joanna Campbell, Dumfries and Galloway College Principal, said: “We were delighted to host the first of the Network 6 series of events following the pandemic.
“DGC plays a key role in unlocking opportunities for employers and employees across the region.”
The next Network 6 event will take place on Tuesday, February 21, at Crafty Distillery, Newton Stewart.
