The UCATT Anfield Learning Centre is now in full swing!

This ULF funded project works in partnership with the local authority, construction companies and housing providers, along with community organisations to establish a learning hub at the heart of the Anfield regeneration project, a large scale redevelopment in a deprived area of Liverpool. This project supports the local community, UCATT members and other union members working or living in the local regeneration area, to access learning opportunities. This includes vocational qualifications, accreditation and informal adult and community learning activities aimed at supporting disadvantaged learners and facilitating opportunities to improve their employability, personal development and acquisition of skills.

Project staff include Keith Lewis and Billy Butterworth, a former CWU ULR. Current and recent programmes include employability courses covering a range of skills such as team building, problem solving, time management, health and safety, confidence and communication as well as job searching and application advice.

A dressmaking and sewing class runs every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm. Tutor, Sheila Butterworth said:

Feedback from people attending has been really good, Learners are able to produce their own garments and take them home. The course is free and you can gain a level 2 qualification; but more importantly, learn a new skill."

Other courses available in the learning centre include an 'Energy Best Deal' course, mental health first aid, community ULR courses, emergency First Aid and a variety of informal adult and community learning opportunities. The learning centre is also accredited by Focus Awards and TQUK to offer a variety of accredited vocational qualifications.

UCATT Project Organiser, Keith Lewis said: 

The project offers support to UCATT members and workers on the Anfield stadium site in updating their skills and maintaining their Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) accreditation. However, project staff feel there is also much rewarding work in getting traditionally hard to reach learners from the community ‘job-ready’ and linked up with local employers. This has already reaped rewards with several of our learners gaining employment as a result of the support they have received from UCATT and the community centre."