Blackpool launches employability drive

A new learning facility designed to help people in Blackpool develop their employability skills has officially opened its doors. Located in Healthworks on Cifton Street, the new Blackpool Learning Rooms is a dedicated learning space for adults aged 19 and over who are looking to get back into work.

Blackpool Council, which is behind the initiative, says people using the facility will be able to boost their job prospects by developing existing skills as well as learning something new from the variety of courses on offer.

As a provider of free or low-cost adult learning courses in the town, Blackpool Learning Rooms offers a wide range of daytime and evening courses from IT, maths and English to health and wellbeing and cooking.

Formerly known as the Adult Community and Family Learning Service, the facility has benefited from a £150,000 investment to create designated classrooms and learning spaces.

The council says the new purpose designed setting allows learners to access up to date equipment and quality resources, all run by a team of professional, friendly and qualified course tutors.

Councillor Mark Smith, cabinet member for business, enterprise and job creation, officially opened the Blackpool Learning Rooms.

He said: “Meeting learning needs is not only beneficial to the individual, but also to our whole community. With a wide range of free or low-cost courses available to adults over the age of 19, I’m sure that many of our residents will benefit from this fantastic learning opportunity.”

Sam Smith was a stay-at-home mum to four children before signing up to functional skills and maths courses through the council’s learning provision, enabling her to get back into work.

She said: “I didn’t think I would get back into employment but this gave me the skills I needed to get back into work and I have now been employed with the Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde for six years. I’m now signing up to an ICT course with Blackpool Learning Rooms to enhance my skills further.”

Pictured here at the official opening, from left to right, are Mark Smith, Blackpool Council cabinet member for business, enterprise and job creation, Donna Clayton, head of adult learning and learners Nathan Cheltenham, Lewis Carrington and Francesca Westworth.