The first phase of a £50,000 purpose built vocational training centre in north Shropshire for disadvantaged young people will be completed by November, it has been revealed.
Bryn Melyn Care was given planning permission recently to convert a former carpentry manufacturers next to Sleap Airfield, near Wem, into a facility to offer training, work based learning opportunities and employability skills for 14 to 19-year-olds.
The registered care managers anticipate the first phase of the project – consisting of a motor vehicle mechanics workshop, painting and decorating workshop and woodwork facility – will be open by November.
The second phase, due for completion next January, will include an additional nine classrooms to support the remainder of the curriculum which includes hair and beauty studies, hospitality and catering, sport and active leisure.
Bryn Melyn Care looks after young people from the Ellesmere, Whitchurch and Shrewsbury areas who have experienced abuse, trauma or family breakdown.
The centre will provide nationally recognised, City and Guilds accredited training, as well as work experience placements.
Four single-storey buildings will be transformed by Hadnall-based MC Parry builders into 14 classrooms, a sports hall and various learning spaces, as well as toilets, a separate office and car parking space.
The centre is set to be open from 8am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and will create two full-time jobs and two part-time jobs.
A spokesperson for Bryn Melyn Care said: “The development will help disadvantaged young people connect their learning with the world of work, develop skills that employers value, build their enterprise capability, and help them make more informed choices about their future career options.
“We wish to develop positive links with local employers and deliver work-related learning across the curriculum to support young people’s journey to a successful adulthood.”
by Charlotte Hester