College opens Skills Shop in latest investment to boost skills and job prospects
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A Telford College ‘shop’ designed to improve skills and boost job prospects for people in the town has opened its doors.
The Skills Shop, based in Telford Centre, is the latest investment from the college that offers training and education opportunities for people of all ages, while also showcasing what the college has to offer to learners and employers.
A range of services will be offered from the shop, including a new retail and hospitality academy, which will offer support and courses for businesses in the town.
The Skills Shop investment comes after the opening of the college’s new £9million Telford 6th, and the announcement of a new ‘world-class’ £5.6million engineering centre.
Sarah Davies, Executive Director of Employment Engagement and Partnerships at Telford College, said the initiative was the latest commitment from the college to giving the people of the town opportunities to progress in education and employment.
She said: “The Skills Shop puts the college in the heart of Telford, in a place where people come to shop and spent their time. We want anyone who walks past to feel they can come in, ask a question and make the next move, whether that be towards a first qualification or a career change.
“It gives us a front door in the town centre and we’re really excited about what this new shop can bring, not just to young people in Telford, but people of all ages when it comes to boosting skills and workforce development.
“Businesses have been clear with us about what they need, and it means our services can be tailored to help them recruit and upskill their staff.
“Education and employment go hand in hand, and when people gain skills that lead to better career prospects, peoples’ lives are improved and that benefits the town as a whole.”
Glynn Morrow, Centre Manager for Telford Centre, added: “The skills shop is a great addition here at Telford Centre, we are more than just shopping, we are the heart of the Town where many people live and work and the skills shop gives our customers the chance to look at new opportunities while they are shopping with us.
“It creates a greater accessibility for customers to access services, new employments opportunities and the chance to upskill in different areas of business, retail and industry.”
The shop, which will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays, will also offer other vocational learning opportunities.
Staff will be available to support with apprenticeships, career advice and guidance, with adult learning opportunities on offer, as well as employer engagement activities, recruitment support services and wider community outreach programmes.
The Department of Work and Pensions will also be opening up a Youth Employment Hub that will sit inside the Skills Shop.
It is being opened to provide young people not in education, employment or training (NEETS) with support in Telford as they currently have to travel to Shrewsbury to visit Shropshire’s only hub.
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