Community Skills Centre Opens at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Site

BREAKING: The new Community Skills Centre has officially launched on the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) construction site, designed to provide immediate training and employment opportunities for local residents. This initiative, delivered by VINCI Building in collaboration with Integrated Health Projects (IHP), Shropshire Council, and other local organizations, aims to combat unemployment and facilitate career changes in the region.

The centre opened its doors earlier today, offering a range of free workshops and practical training sessions focused on construction-related trades, health and safety, and essential workplace skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. The first group of job seekers has already begun a six-week program, with hopes of securing employment with IHP or its subcontractors as the multimillion-pound project progresses towards its anticipated completion in 2028.

Tony Grindrod, regional director at VINCI Building, expressed pride in the initiative, stating,

“We’re proud to be working with our local partners to create a space where people can learn, grow, and take steps toward long-term employment.”

He emphasized that the centre will leave a lasting legacy by creating opportunities for local people.

This center is not just a training facility; it will also serve as a hub for local educators and organizations, facilitating pre-employment courses, site open days, and helping participants obtain industry-accredited cards. The ongoing commitment to social value is evident, as the initiative promotes local employment, work placements, apprenticeships, and supports local charities.

Councillor Andy Hall, portfolio holder for children and education at Shropshire Council, remarked,

“This is a brilliant example of partnership working in action. By bringing together the expertise of local employers, the council, and organizations like Enable Shropshire, we’re helping to remove barriers to employment.”

The Community Skills Centre will be operational throughout the duration of the construction project, with plans to offer regular training courses and dedicated support for those facing employment barriers.

As job seekers flock to this new center, the immediate impact is clear: a revitalized pathway to employment for those in Shropshire and Mid Wales. Make sure to stay updated as this story develops and share the news to help spread the word about this significant opportunity for the community!