The contribution will provide IT equipment for students studying cyber security and support the College’s activities for the 2022-23 academic year.

PRA Group’s gift to Ayrshire College is a continuation of the organisations’ existing partnership, building on the internship opportunities the company offers college students.

Tim Kirk, country operations director of PRA Group UK, said: “We are fortunate to have cultivated a long-term relationship with Ayrshire College. As we invest in the development of our own teams, we want to ensure we are creating the same opportunities for local students to build their skills and bring their talents back to the local economy.”

PRA Group recently unveiled its new offices in the HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre, located opposite the College campus in Kilmarnock. Setting the standard for low carbon energy sites, HALO is one of the most environmentally friendly developments in the UK. It is now also home to the international company’s largest European centre of operations, which was formally opened earlier this year by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy Kate Forbes.

Speaking at PRA Group’s office opening in June, Ms Forbes said: “It is pleasing to hear of PRA Group’s partnership with Ayrshire College—a partnership that will advance the technology skills of local students. PRA’s growing presence in Kilmarnock from 170 to over 250 staff underpins the confidence they have in the local talent, and we certainly welcome this job creation.”

Ayrshire College’s innovative, tech-forward focus means PRA Group’s donation not only supports local students, but also creates the possibility of digital careers with one of the region’s largest employers.

Elaine Hutton, Ayrshire College assistant principal, added: “Our cyber security students will benefit greatly from building and testing their skills on the IT equipment made possible by PRA’s donation, and we are thrilled to partner with PRA on the internship programme. PRA Group’s investment in education and hands-on work experience is hugely enabling for our students’ futures.”