A vital adult learning hub has celebrated being in the heart of Dovercourt High Street for 20 years with a significant relaunch event.
Run by Colchester Institute, the former Learning Shop has undergone extensive refurbishment as part of the rebadging of the Colleges network of Learning Shops across North Essex as ‘Adult Skills Centres.’
These centres form part of the College’s plan to broaden its support for residents and local employers with an array of English, Maths and Digital Skills courses, Career Advice Sessions and Employability support.
The building upgrade includes complete internal and external refurbishment with new furniture and IT systems that will support the change in branding currently underway across the College’s network of Centres in Clacton-On-Sea, Colchester and Braintree.
Gary Horne, Deputy Chief Executive at Colchester Institute, said: “In line with our strategy to expand our services to support more local residents and employers in the post-pandemic era, we have now delivered on the first of our refurbishment projects. Whether people are considering studying to get into work, improve their career prospects, or develop a completely new career path, there are a number of opportunities at Colchester Institute.”
Retaining a focus on core skills for employability, the centre will also provide a wide range of supported online programmes for adults wishing to enter employment. Free impartial Career Guidance is also available to help residents consider career prospects and help them achieve their career goals.
Alison Andreas, Principal and Chief Executive at Colchester Institute, said: “We see this relaunch as particularly important ahead of the opportunities that Freeport East, and its associated inward investment, will bring to the residents of Harwich and Dovercourt. We will continue working with partner providers, including Job Centre Plus and local employers, to ensure we can provide appropriate courses to allow our students to access available job opportunities and strengthen the local economy.”
