Wooler Work Web Brings Training to Rural Community
2010-01-12

The recent snow illustrated the isolation of our rural communities and a lack of understanding of its unique requirements. However even after the thaw, time, distance and cost can severely limit access to services including the training needed for people living in these communities to enhance their job prospects.

Neil Wilson, Project Manager for the
Wooler Work Web

Consequently, from the end of January, the Wooler Work Web in association with the Glendale Learning Partnership is bringing the training to the people who need it most, launching a series of subsidised courses in the Glendale area. Many of the courses are free or at minimal cost which is important in an area where income is often considerably below the national average.

The wide ranging curriculum offers skills development programmes and evening classes that are especially appropriate in this rural area where many people are employed in catering and tourism, building and renovation projects and childcare. Particularly relevant to the workplace are courses in Food Safety, Health & Safety in the Workplace, First Aid, Customer Care and Confidence Building as well as those specialising in working with children.

As Neil Wilson, the Wooler Work Web Project Manager explains, “These courses offer a great opportunity for individuals to further their skills at a time when employers are looking for people who have that little bit more to offer in terms of extra training. By working with a range of partners and providers, to subsidise these courses, our aim is to bring training to the rural areas at a cost effective prices.”

In addition to the to various work related courses, the programme is also offering a wide range of subjects for people wanting to take up a new hobby. While not directly work related, employers like candidates with outside interests and of course many leisure pursuits often become businesses or offer skills than can be transferred to the workplace. Sessions include free courses on River Craft – Getting Ready to Fish with Flies and Family Learning – Fun with French and a three week course in Nail Art for which the enrolment fee is £5.

Established a year ago, The Wooler Work Web aims to be a one stop shop for all training and employment related issues in the Glendale area. Details of training courses, local job vacancies and information for those wanting to become self employed are posted on its website www.wooler.org.uk. For those without internet access, information can also be viewed on screens in the Cheviot Centre and the Breeze Café in Wooler and sites across Glendale.

Most courses begin the week of 25th January and a place can be reserved by telephoning the Glendale Learning Partnership on 01289 302 446. The programme of courses is subsidised by the Wooler Work Web so if your postcode falls in Glendale District and you bring a copy of the course flyer, currently being distributed or available on the website, when enrolling for any of the courses held in Wooler you may be able to benefit from reduced fees. All courses are free to the unemployed.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Wooler Work Web can visit the link at www.wooler.org.uk or telephone Rachel or Steve on 01668 282 406. A drop in session is held at The Cheviot Centre in Wooler from 2pm – 3pm every Thursday.

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