A new education and skills centre launched by Whitehead-Ross Education officially threw open its doors (12th January), thanks to funding from the Department for Work and Pensions and the European Social Fund. 
Over the next 2 years the centre will support 600 jobseekers from across Newquay and Cornwall to access a variety of training courses, qualifications and support to get back into work. Since November the programme has already supported 62 local jobseekers to gain qualifications and work-based certificates, such as the CSCS card for working in construction and teaching assistant courses, with 29 entering employment.
The centre was officially opened by Colonel Bolitho OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, along with Councillor Linda Taylor, Leader of Cornwall Council, in front of an audience of 50 invited guests.
Ian Ross, Managing Director of Whitehead-Ross Education, said:
“Our new Department for Work and Pensions Supporting Jobseekers in Cornwall programme, funded by the European Social Fund, will support unemployed individuals across Cornwall into employment. We have two fully equipped training rooms where we are delivering adult education courses. Our rapidly expanding team of 12 staff in Cornwall can offer a wide range of employability support including CV writing, interview techniques and job search support.”
“The new centre in Newquay is also offering Traineeships for 16-24 year olds, who are looking for a pathway to employment or further education. Support is provided with gaining Maths and English qualifications, along with a 70 hour work placement for the young people to gain valuable work experience.”
Colonel Bolitho OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, said:
“It is a real pleasure to see this new programme starting in Newquay and I wish everyone taking part in it all the best of good fortune. There is a real need to improve skills to meet the challenges of a changing job market and I very much hope this will produce some really good results.”
Councillor Linda Taylor, Leader of Cornwall Council, said:
“I welcome this important intervention that will give much needed personal support for unemployed people within Cornwall. This programme can give the confidence and provide the necessary skills to enable entry back into the workplace.”
To find out more about what is offer in Cornwall visit Programmes – WREC (wrecltd.co.uk)
To contact the Newquay team – email newquay@wrecltd.co.uk
