AIMS Project

The AIMS project skills and business support will be ending soon.

We would like to thank all participants, partners, businesses, employees past & present and employers who have engaged with the programme during its delivery. Your involvement has contributed significantly to supporting skills development and economic growth across Dumfries and Galloway.

Although the AIMS Project itself is concluding, the legacy of skills and business support remains. 🧲

Dumfries and Galloway College will remain a key provider of training, employability support, and skills development opportunities for both individuals and businesses. The College will retain the equipment, facilities, and expertise developed through its partnership with AIMS, ensuring continued support for the development of engineering and manufacturing skills across the region.

Dumfries and Galloway Local Employability Partnership (DGLEP) will continue to coordinate access to employability services, training pathways, and employer engagement programmes across the region. We are committed to continued development of engineering and manufacturing skills pathways that supports a range of sectors.

Participants and businesses seeking ongoing assistance can also access support through other agencies, including:

SRUC, Barony Campus
Specialist land‑based training, rural skills development, and sector‑specific education for individuals and employers.

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE)
Business support, innovation, and skills development to help organisations grow and adapt.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
Careers advice, apprenticeship programmes, workforce development, and skills planning.

National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
Specialist support for manufacturing innovation, productivity, and advanced skills.

Scottish Enterprise (SMAS)
Expert guidance to help manufacturers improve operational efficiency and competitiveness.

Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway Sector Dumfries & Galloway
Support for volunteering, employability initiatives, and community‑based skills activity.

Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce a membership run non profit organisation supporting local businesses, building networks and helping local businesses throughout grow to their full potential.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Employment support and access to national programmes for jobseekers and employers.

🫴 We encourage anyone who has benefited from AIMS to continue engaging with these organisations to build on progress already made.

📧 The AIMS mailbox – [email protected] shall remain open for sign-posting support as required up to end of June 2026.

📲 We would be pleased to hear from individuals looking for support to develop their employability and skills, as well as any employers of businesses who feel they can collaborate with DGLEP to further our local intelligence around specific sector needs.

For information around our final business support offer, please see our previous post about business surgeries with NMIS.

Lesley
On behalf of the AIMS Project

On behalf of the Forestry Training Service UK, we are sharing a great training opportunity.

🌲Thinking about a career in forestry but not sure how to get started?🌲

The Forestry Training Service UK has launched a New Entrants Programme for South Scotland 2026 which starts in May. It is a fully funded, industry‑aligned pathway designed to prepare motivated individuals for real careers in the forestry sector.

Delivered in partnership with Foresight Group Sustainable Forestry, SRUC Barony and local employers, this programme from FTSUK focuses on raising awareness of forestry, gaining practical skills and certificates, improving work readiness and offers direct introductions to employers across the region.

What you will gain:
🌲 Hands‑on forestry skills including planting, establishment & maintenance
🌲 Introduction to science of productive trees
🌲 Site visits and understanding of range of opportunities in forestry

Forestry‑specific certifications including:
🌲 Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry
🌲 Pesticides PA1 + PA6
🌲 Brushcutter/Trimmer operations
🌲 ATV (Novice)

Programme structure:
🌲Phase I – May (5 weekdays over two weeks) - 12 places
🌲Phase II – August (3 weeks) - 6 places

What is covered?
🌲Accommodation, catering and all transport between sites are included, plus an expenses allowance provided for those selected for Phase II.

Who can apply?
🌲No prior forestry experience is required, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds including agriculture, estate work, contracting, land‑based and other practical backgrounds. You must be 18+, motivated, reliable and physically fit.

How to apply:
Send a short expression of interest with your name, contact details and reasons for applying to:
📩 [email protected]

Key dates:
🌲 Application deadline: 27 March
🌲 Interview week: 07 April
🌲 Phase I: w/b 18 May & w/b 25 May (5 days in total)
🌲 Phase II: 10th - 28th August

FTSUK has been established by Confor: Confederation of Forest Industries (UK) with the financial support of key companies in the industry and public forestry bodies to improve workforce development across UK forestry.

Join the AIMS Project to discover the world of 3D design with our free one day, hands on taster course where you’ll learn the basics of SolidWorks and create your very own 3D design.

This course is open to Dumfries and Galloway businesses and individuals aged 19-67* years, and is perfect for beginners who want to upskill, explore something new, or get a feel for CAD.

📅 Friday 27th February
⏰ 9am–4pm
📍 Dumfries Campus, Dumfries & Galloway College

For more information, and to register your interest, please sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/WH2taxTL1j

* 16+ if you are a school leaver at risk of a negative destination.