Yorkshire college to launch Pioneer Higher Skills Centre

Kirklees College is set to change the face of higher education in Yorkshire with the launch of its Pioneer Higher Skills Centre in Dewsbury.
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Published 1st Oct 2020, 09:19 BST
Specialist centre will help people in Dewsbury and beyondSpecialist centre will help people in Dewsbury and beyond
Specialist centre will help people in Dewsbury and beyond

The latest development in the Dewsbury Learning Quarter aims to drive the improvement of education and increase the skills of local people by supporting them to gain qualifications, work skills and enhance their career prospects.

The project has been part-funded through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal, delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the LEP, supported by Kirklees Council, The Heritage Lottery Fund and The Dewsbury Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Multi-million pound project

The historic Victorian Grade II Listed building has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility as part of a £14million restoration project, with many heritage features maintained to provide a unique study environment. In addition to the new workshops, classrooms and IT suites, there is an extensive Learning Resource Centre to support learners in their studies. The centre also boasts a Hair and Beauty salon, bistro, Starbucks coffee shop and dedicated social spaces.

Conveniently located opposite Dewsbury train station, the centre offers degree level courses on the doorstep of learners designed with their family and other commitments in mind. With lower course fees and small class sizes offering specialist academic support, the Pioneer Higher Skills Centre provides an affordable and flexible alternative to university study.

Huge range of courses

The Pioneer Higher Skills Centre will offer a wide range of vocational courses taught by industry experienced tutors to provide learners with hands-on experience in their chosen career path. The centre will offer full time or part time courses in: Art and Design, Business, Early Years, Computing, Counselling, Teaching and Hair and Beauty.

Kirklees College also works closely in partnership with industry employers, including Kirklees Council, Huddersfield Town, Hovis, Microsoft and Kodak, to ensure that learners are equipped with the skills in demand to meet the needs of potential employers and have access to the latest apprenticeships and career progression opportunities.

Phillipa Firth, assistant principal for adults and higher education, said: “We are very excited to be delivering our Higher Education programmes from the newly restored Pioneer Higher Skills Centre. We hope that this specialist centre will be a welcome addition to the local area and provide the people of Dewsbury and beyond with the opportunity to learn a new skill or start a new career at Kirklees College.”

For more information about the Pioneer House Skills Centre, watch the preview video here on the Kirklees College YouTube channel or visit www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk