Upcoming training and information sessions

Whether you want to upskill in 2026, widen your knowledge or keep up to date with the latest staff training on the horizon, our roundup has everything you need to know to take control of your development in the workplace and beyond...

Corporate Training calendar

Corporate training courses can be booked directly online via the Learning and Development training course booking system. Before booking a course, please discuss with your line manager. If you have any issues accessing the system or need some extra help, email the Learning and Organisational Development team.

Visit Connects for further e-learning resources, Our Time to Talk tips and information on the Leadership Academy.

Upcoming training sessions

Burning questions vapes and cigarettes

Suzanne Scott, NHS Tobacco Prevention/Cessation Officer with the Quit Your Way team will be delivering upcoming training on vapes and cigarettes in September. The training is suitable for anyone who works with or has a remit for Care Experienced Children and Young People. If you could circulate to anyone who this may be of interest to that would be great.

Aims of the training are:

• to allow Participants insight into the risks of nicotine addiction and how it impacts young people's health and wellbeing
• understand the contents and risks of tobacco and nicotine products including e-cigs/vapes, cannabis and nicotine pouches
• build your confidence and skills to talk about smoking and vaping with young people and how to refer them to 'Quit Your Way'
• learn about the support that 'Quit Your Way' can offer Young People.

The next training date is Thursday 17 September at Ayr Hospital, Macdonald Education Suite. 9.30am - 12pm.

If you or other staff members wishes a place on the training. Please email Suzanne Scott.

Learning disability awareness training (October)

Places are available for staff on the following dates for Learning Disability Awareness training. Please consult with your line manager before booking your place online. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

This course is aimed at staff from outwith the Learning Disability service who may have contact with service users with a learning disability. It will take place on Thursday 8 October at Cunninghame House (Lochshore & Seagate Room, 4th Floor Training Suite), 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

This course aims to:

• Raise awareness of Learning Disability
• Increase knowledge of health issues
• Identify challenges facing people with LD
• Highlight communication issues / barriers
• How to access services and supports

If no dates are showing on the booking system, this means the dates are full. If this is the case, we will contact you when further dates are available.

Adult Support and Protection training opportunities

Spaces remain on the following Adult Support and Protection training courses in September. Further details on all of the below courses - including course content, who each course is aimed at, and dates of future sessions - can be found in our Adult Support and Protection Training Calendar. To reserve a place, please contact ASPTraining@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Use the email above to book your space - upcoming opportunities are as follows:

• Thursday 10 September Adult Support & Protection Level 1 (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 1pm
• Wednesday 16 September Understanding Domestic Abuse (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 4.30pm
• Tuesday 29 September Commercial Sexual Exploitation (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Wednesday 30 September Hoarding Disorder Awareness (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 12.30pm

Breast Cancer Support: Moving forward sessions open for booking

Charity Breast Cancer Now is running a ‘Moving Forward’ course on Tuesday 8 September and Tuesday 15 September at the Ayrshire Cancer Support Centre in Kilmarnock.

Led by an expert facilitator and friendly volunteers, the sessions offer a chance for those who have undergone treatment for breast cancer to learn the tools to help them feel in control and move on with their lives. The course will run from 10am to 1.30pm, and places can be booked via the Breast Cancer Now website or by calling 0345 077 1893.

Moving and handling information sessions for carers and families

Safety is paramount when caring for someone who requires the use of moving and handling equipment, so we’re offering families and carers the opportunity to attend a free Moving and Handling information session at Castleview Hub in Ardrossan on one of the following dates:

• Thursday 23 April (9.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4.30pm)
• Monday 18 May (9.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4.30pm)
• Wednesday 24 June (9.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4.30pm)

These will cover the use of profiling beds, hoists and slings, slide sheets, commode chairs and more. Staff within the facility are trained in line with the Scottish Manual Handling Passport.

Carers can book a place by calling 07385 399 746 and leaving a message with their name, the date they’d like to attend, and whether they want to attend the morning or afternoon session. Please note that there are ten places available for each session, which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Digital Learning Hub

Did you know that our IT team have created a one-stop-shop for digital learning resources and opportunities? With everything from learning about Microsoft 365 to problem-solving and finding peer support, IT have got you covered in their new IT Digital Learning Hub and you can access it straight from your desktop - just look for the blue information icon. Find out more in the Digital Learning Hub latest news article.

Internal vacancies

To find out about the latest internal (and external) job vacancies with North Ayrshire Council, visit the My Job Scotland website.

Wellbeing support for employees

We understand that work and home life can be challenging at times. Looking after our own mental and physical wellbeing is crucial, helping us to manage our work-life balance and improve resilience. North Ayrshire Council is committed to ensuring staff feel valued, supported, and able to thrive in their roles. Find out about the health and wellbeing supports available by visiting the LiveWell webpage on Connects with helpful resources, tools and signposting to local support.

Published August 10, 2026