There are milestones and then there are moments that truly demonstrate the power of partnership, ambition and belief in young people. On 4th September 2026, DYW Ayrshire proudly celebrated the launch of its 200th Innovative Project, marking a decade of investment in the future workforce of Ayrshire and a significant achievement for everyone involved in the programme. 

Funded by the Scottish Government, the DYW Ayrshire Innovative Projects Fund has now invested more than £1 million in creating exciting vocational learning opportunities for young people across the region. Since its launch in 2016, the fund has supported 200 innovative projects, helping thousands of young people gain new experiences, qualifications and insights into future careers. 

The milestone event took place at Auchenharvie Academy in Stevenston, where employers, educators, local authority representatives and partners came together to celebrate the programme’s impact. Guests were welcomed with refreshments before enjoying performances from young people and hearing from speakers who reflected on the fund’s journey and success over the past ten years. 

A highlight of the morning was the formal launch of the Auchenharvie Academy and Greenwood Academy, AG Roofing Project, delivered in partnership with KRB Group. The project provides pupils with practical roofing experience while developing valuable employability skills and industry knowledge. It perfectly reflects the aims of the Innovative Projects Fund by bringing learning to life through real-world experiences and strong employer engagement. 

Following the launch, guests visited Lockhart Campus to see first-hand the range of innovative projects supported through the fund and learn more about the vocational and employability opportunities available to learners with additional support needs. 

While the event celebrated the 200th project, it also recognised the collective impact of all projects delivered across Ayrshire’s schools and communities. Over the last decade, projects have been developed in sectors including engineering, construction, childcare, health and wellbeing, creative industries, cyber security and horticulture, helping young people explore careers aligned to Ayrshire’s key growth sectors. 

The results have been truly inspiring. More than 5,000 qualifications have been achieved through projects funded by the programme, giving young people the opportunity to gain industry-recognised skills, build confidence and develop practical experience valued by employers. 

As DYW Ayrshire enters its next chapter, the success of 200 Innovative Projects stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when education and industry work together. The milestone represents thousands of learner experiences, hundreds of employer partnerships and a shared commitment to ensuring every young person in Ayrshire can develop the skills, confidence and aspirations needed to succeed.