Issue - meetings

Darlene informed the group of the continuing growth in the NC Agriculture and detailed a forthcoming meeting with Fergus Younger and Lucy Sumsion to review progress.

Jamie McGrigor questioned the possibility of future courses around Renewables.  Darlene replied of continuing discussions being with Wind Towers Ltd and Argyll College in conjunction with HIE.  Ishabel Bremner informed the group of a  'skills demand analysis' being undertaken to review future courses.

Councillor Kelly reiterated the need to initiate formalised training in this area.

Susan Paterson highlighted a further area of concern in regards Personal Care services and the need to encourage younger people into this avenue of employment. Darlene Russell replied that the course was available, but no candidates had undertaken the training.

Dhonna McCallum had provided a report detailing forthcoming courses which was tabled at the meeting.

The Chair enquired if the NC courses in Horticulture and Agriculture were held in an active working environment.  Dhonna reported that students studies were conducted  on active sites.

The Chair queried whether  the Council used the services of Argyll College to train existing staff.  It was noted that this was the case and that in particular, the Council put a number of staff and elected members through the ECDL course.

Dhonna McCallum and Darlene Russell had been unable to attend the KIWG meeting.  However, a written report was tabled, updating attendees on full-time and short full-time courses which would commence in August 2012. 

David Roger informed the group that discussions were being held between Skills Development Scotland/Argyll College and HIE in regards organising  courses which would develop skills for work relevant to off-shore projects.

A short presentation from Darlene Russell.

Darlene Russell gave a short presentation advising the group on VC usage to

disseminate courses.

The Chair thanked Darlene for her informative presentation and suggested that  Argyll and Bute council should contact Darlene with regard to their recent decision to look at the development of VC technology in order to draw on her experience, and perhaps look at modifing the VC etiquette detailed within Darlene’s presentation to their own practices.