Skills & Learning launch NEW Poole Adult Learning Centre 

Skills & Learning Adult Community Education, Dorset and BCP Council’s joint adult education provider has recently launched their NEW state of the art learning facility in the heart of Poole in the Dolphin Centre.  
 
The £1.3 million centre is the first Adult Learning Centre inside a shopping centre in the country and marks new beginnings for adult learners across Dorset. It is located on the first floor of the centre, above Body Shop and HMV, adjacent to Poole Library and the new NHS facility. 
 
Courses at the centre will help to upskill around 5000 learners from the local community into new jobs and opportunities every year. The newly built learning facilities include 2 large classrooms, 2 art studios, an IT suite and hair and beauty salons. Opportunities at the centre will include leisure courses (arts and crafts, languages, courses to support mental health) as well as vocational subjects such as hairdressing, barbering, beauty, and bookkeeping. The classrooms will teach essential skills in English, maths and IT from entry level to level 2. 
 
The centre will also support hundreds of local businesses through apprenticeships and bespoke work programmes.  
 
BCP Councillor Jane Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Health and Leisure said: “The new site means that adult education is closer than ever to residents’ homes. Bringing this facility to the Dolphin Centre will empower our communities by offering a variety of opportunities to flourish in a fantastic new space. I would encourage residents to visit and take a look, and perhaps sign up to something they’ve always wanted to try.”  
 
The open day on 7th September 2022 welcomed over 400 visitors who met tutors, staff and took part in drop-in classes and activities in sustainability, employability, mindfulness, photography and more. 
 
The centre is open now – visit today or explore courses online at www.skillsandlearningace.com.