Celebrating the Opening of Collyhurst Community Skills Centre

At the Skills People Group, we are thrilled to announce the official opening of the Collyhurst Community Skills Centre-a new facility dedicated to empowering local residents through hands-on training and vital upskilling opportunities. This exciting project, developed in partnership with Manchester City Council, YES Manchester and the Victoria-North Development, marks a significant step toward addressing unemployment and boosting employability in Collyhurst and the wider Manchester area. 

A Space for Learning and Growth 

We're proud to say that the new centre offers a variety of flexible spaces designed for practical training and real­world application. The building features an indoor classroom where learners will take part in courses that combine theory with hands-on experience, laying the groundwork for successful careers in construction and other trades. Just outside, we will be creating a dedicated bricklaying area for learners to hone their craft and master key skills in construction. 

The larger, outdoor space will serve as a block paving training ground, offering students the opportunity to practice the techniques required for real-world job sites. Looking to the future, this area will also host End-Point Assessments (EPA) for Groundworks, a crucial certification for those pursuing a career in civil engineering and groundworks. 

Our mission is to ensure learners leave this facility not only with accredited qualifications but also with the confidence and hands-on experience that employers in the construction sector are seeking.

Supporting Manchester's Future Workforce  

As we celebrated the centre's opening yesterday, arranged by Manchester City Council, we had the pleasure of welcoming local stakeholders, dignitaries, and employers. In the morning, Collyhurst and Greater Manchester's leaders joined us to see firsthand the incredible resources and training opportunities now available in their community. In the afternoon, we hosted construction employers from across Manchester who are eager to connect with our skilled learners to fill roles on upcoming projects. 

Through the Community Skills Centre, we are helping to bridge the gap between local talent and the labour market, ensuring that Collyhurst residents can access meaningful work and long-term careers in construction. 

A United Effort for Community Success 

A special thank you to the inspirational speakers who shared their insights and passion for community-driven success: 

• Cllr John Hacking - Greater Manchester Living Wage Campaign
• Gary Lamb - Social & Economic Programme Manager, North Manchester
• Matt Doran - Victoria North Strategy and Coordination Lead
• David Berry - Work & Skills Lead, Manchester City Council

We are equally proud of our team at Skills People Group, including Pamela Smith, Director of Learning Development & Innovation, and Darren Pond, Greater Manchester Skills Academy Manager, who are dedicated to making this initiative a success. 

The Collyhurst Community Skills Centre represents a beacon of opportunity, and we are committed to delivering high-quality training that opens doors for local residents. This project is not just about skills-it's about creating pathways to meaningful employment and contributing to the economic growth of Manchester. 

As the centre continues to evolve, we look forward to seeing how our learners grow, excel, and become the skilled professionals the construction industry needs.