Northern Counties College

Northern Counties College Launches Employability Centre

Carol Malia with Bridie White, College Student

Carol Malia was the guest of honour at the launch of the Badbury Employability Centre. The centre, based at Northern Counties College, was officially opened by Carol on Thursday 29th November 2007.

The centre is an employability initiative for students with disabilities and learning disabilities. Students who attend Northern Counties College, part of the Percy Hedley Foundation, are given the option to train within the accessible conference and meeting facilities and will be involved in all aspects of the running of the centre. This includes tasks such as arranging bookings, marketing, administration, reception duties, catering and general hospitality.

The development of the centre is only one of the many exciting initiatives being planned by college. The site has been developed significantly over the last two years and will continue to do so for some time. At the moment, 38 students access the fantastic facilities and this will hopefully rise to over 50 students in 2008.

Over 60 people attended the launch representing schools, colleges and employers from all over the region. Dr. Rick Brannen represented the Learning Skills Council (LSC) who partially funded the project along with the main funder, the Bradbury Trust.

Angela Gilbert, College Principal said: 'I am absolutely delighted with the support we have received from the local community. Learning has taken place on this site for over 170 years and it's fantastic to see the site develop into a modern, innovative centre for learning'.

Mary Suggett and Jane Wilson, College Students

Mary Suggett, college student said: 'At the launch, it was my job to work on reception. I have been practising meeting and greeting by working with my class and doing role play on the phone. I really enjoy working in the Bradbury Employability Centre and I am learning lots of new skills for when I leave college. It was very busy on the day but I had fun'.

For more information about the meeting facilities or Northern Counties College contact Gail Bradford on 0191 281 2888 or email: g.bradford@northerncountiescollege.org.uk.

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