Deputy Minister impressed with youth centre facelift

John Griffiths AM, Deputy Minister for Skills, has paid a visit to Crosskeys Youth Centre to take a close look at what the newly refurbished facility can offer Caerphilly county borough's young people.

The centre, which offers learning opportunities to groups of learners who are not engaged in mainstream educational provision, is a joint venture between the CCBC 14-19 Development Unit and CCBC Community Education section.

Following recent refurbishment works, the multi-purpose skills centre, which previously was operating mainly on an evening basis, now boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen, new accessible toilets, a gym, several teaching rooms and an IT suite, where it will be possible to deliver courses in a variety of disciplines in the future.

The facility focuses mainly on provision for 14-19 year old learners and delivers skills development and progression to nationally recognised qualifications. All courses are underpinned and complemented by basic/key skills instruction for all learners. A number of community groups are also accessing the facility during the day.

Deputy Minister for Skills John Griffiths said, "The Crosskeys Youth Centre is an excellent example of local collaboration in action and what can be achieved with the financial support of the Assembly Government. Congratulations to everyone involved in launching this fantastic new training facility which I am sure will make a significant contribution to the lives of young people and in the community as a whole."

Sandra Aspinall, the Director of Education and Leisure for Caerphilly County Borough Council said, "We are pleased to be able to offer young people who are not engaged in mainstream provision the opportunity to work in a safe and comfortable environment. This should enable them to develop skills in a variety of work related sectors and give the opportunity to follow their individual learning pathway."