Support for UkraineThe opening of our new Adult Learning Centre in Poole
It’s an exciting time at Skills & Learning: we’ve just launched our brand new, state-of-the-art adult learning facility. The £1.3 million centre was opened in the Dolphin Centre right in the heart of Poole – and it’s the first Adult Learning Centre located inside a shopping centre in the country.
Located on the first floor of the Dolphin Centre next to the Poole Library and new NHS facility, the opening of this centre is a landmark moment for adult learners throughout the Dorset area. Every year opportunities available at the centre will help upskill around 5000 local learners.
The new learning centre incudes two large classrooms, two art studios, an IT suite, and salons for studying hair and beauty. These facilities will support a wide range of courses, with both leisure courses and vocational subjects on offer. Courses range from arts and crafts, languages, bookkeeping, hairdressing & barbering and beauty therapies – the list goes on and on.
For those looking to brush up on skills such as English, maths and IT, classes at the centre will teach these courses from Entry Level up to Level 2. The new centre will also support hundreds of local businesses with apprenticeship schemes and bespoke work programmes.
The open day was held on the 7th of September, welcoming over 400 visitors to meet tutors and staff. Visitors took part in activities and drop-in classes about sustainability, mindfulness, and employability. With so many attendees on the open day alone, it’s clear to see that enthusiasm is high for adult learning in the Dorset area.
‘Bringing this facility to the Dolphin Centre will empower our communities by offering a variety of opportunities to flourish in a fantastic new space,’ said BCP Councillor Jane Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Health and Leisure. ‘I would encourage residents to visit and take a look – and perhaps sign up to something they’ve always wanted to try.’
