Three employment and skills Opportunities Hubs are opening across south Somerset to support residents aged 16+ find training and/or sustained employment.
The project is being run by South Somerset District Council in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions. Our employment service will use their expertise to develop staff, volunteers, tools and systems at the hubs to provide a creative, flexible and resilient employment support and service.
The three hubs are based in Yeovil, Chard and Wincanton. The first hub opened in Chard library on 1 November, with a dedicated space where residents can meet an advisor, discuss employment and training opportunities and receive mentoring support. Hubs in Yeovil and Wincanton will open at the beginning of December providing support across the District to all residents who are without work or training or who are underemployed.
Michelle Dawson, Director of Housing and Community Investment at Abri, said: “We’re creating thriving communities and empowering lives with our £15m five-year investment, making sure we’re driving change where it’s needed most. So, we’re pleased to support this project to deliver employment and training support and guidance to our customers and those living in and around South Somerset.
“We know that securing training opportunities or sustained employment is more than just skills and experience. We want to create a community, working with our partners and other agencies, to not only offer support but bring residents together. That’s why we’ll also have learning opportunities and training to help people develop financial independence and encourage good health and wellbeing.”
For more information or to make an appointment with an advisor pop into the Opportunities Hub at Chard or visit the new Opportunities Hubs website https://www.opportunitieshubsouthsomerset.com/. The website also promotes and exhibits opportunities for anyone looking for a new job, training opportunities or wanting to improve their existing skills.
Additionally, Chard Leisure Centre opened on 8 November. Talking about these recent regeneration projects, Councillor John Clark, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development including Commercial strategy said: “It is an exciting time for Chard with two great facilities recently opening their doors, both of which will support and benefit the Chard community greatly”. Built as part of the Chard Regeneration programme and boasting the latest fitness equipment, a swimming pool, a virtual cycling studio and an indoor soft play area, the centre will bring additional revenue to Chard.
