£3m skills base opens for pupils

10:19am Friday 16th May 2008

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A FLAGSHIP skills centre for York pupils has been formally opened by a top civil servant.

The Danesgate Centre, in Fulford Cross, received the official Whitehall seal of approval when David Bell, the permanent secretary at the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) dropped in at the state-of-the art centre yesterday.

It is aimed at pupils aged 14 and over who are having problems engaging at school and will try to ensure they are given a chance to acquire skills and re-engage in the education system by studying for diplomas and other vocational courses.

The £3 million facility has been up and running since January and will be used by about 60 youngsters a year, offering them an introduction to vocational learning.

City of York councillor Julie Funnell, shadow spokeswoman for youth and social inclusion, said: "The new centre has excellent facilities and provides a necessary alternative to mainstream education.

"One of its aims is to continue to reduce the figures for those not in employment, education or training up to the age of 18.

"It is critically important that pupils who are having problems engaging at school, for whatever reason, are given alternative ways to learn and develop and the centre is an essential element in the education provision of the city."

David Bell said: "I was delighted to be invited to officially open the Danesgate Skills Centre while visiting York.

"Providing access to vocational education and training for young people can not only transform their learning experience, but also increase their maturity and confidence.

"Meeting all the young people and staff today has been really inspirational and I wish them all well for the future."

The Danesgate Centre was due to open in October last year, but delays with building led to a new opening date in January.

The Press reported in November last year that workers downed tools and stopped building work over a pay dispute which further delayed the project.

Coun Dave Merrett, shadow executive member for children's services, said: "The previous building delays have been regrettable, but we now need to move forward and ensure we achieve the maximum benefits, including decent support for those children and young people for whom mainstream schooling isn't working out."

The building is made mainly of sustainable materials and was constructed using wooden panelling. It features a boiler that burns wooden pellets from coppiced trees.

There is also rainwater harvesting on site with collected water used to flush the toilets.

The centre has started by offering accredited courses in construction, horticulture and hair and beauty.