OLYMPIC hero Sally Gunnell was in Bridgwater this morning to open the town's brand new employment hub 'Under Construction'.

The new training and community learning space based on West Quay Close will pull together expertise, help and guidance from a range of local organisations.

The partners will be able to help local people to develop and gain new skills to take advantage employment opportunities across Sedgemoor, and in particular Hinkley C.

Hosted by Sedgemoor District Council, a number of organisations will be working together from the 2,000 sq ft space.

A spokesman for SDC said: "The whole ethos of the employment hub is based around a person-centred approach, inspiring individuals to invest in themselves and create brighter futures.

"This joined-up approach will help people by providing a one-stop shop for training and employment support. The range of help and advice will be for those furthest from the labour market through to people already in work."

Bridgwater Mercury:

The programme includes specific training support for those with literacy, numeracy, IT and language needs; support with 'work skills' support for those recovering from a drugs or alcohol problem and seeking work; people on probation; introductory courses for mums, older people and other groups looking to re-join the workforce as well as training courses for those looking for a change.

The centre is being funded by EDF Energy through a £45,000 investment over three years from the planning permission given to prepare the site at Hinkley Point C for construction. The money is being matched by partner contributions, either in kind or by direct funding.

The employment hub will also make use of a new Hinkley Point C Employment and Training Prospectus developed specifically for those looking to begin an exciting new career at one of the country’s most important infrastructure projects. Laying out the current opportunities available, the new guide also helps jobseekers to find other support available to up-skill or re-train. It can be accessed online at www.edfenergy.com/hpcjobs.

Sally Gunnell said: “This centre is such a great idea and will provide much valued practical help and advice to people wanting to get into the workplace.  I am very passionate about health and wellbeing issues of employees and it’s inspiring to visit a centre like this that supports such individuals. I truly believe that small changes, consistently made, really do make a difference!”    

Bridgwater Mercury:

David Eccles, EDF Energy’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Hinkley Point C, said: “It is vital that we play our part in equipping local people with the skills they need to secure jobs and to enable local businesses to thrive by having a suitably qualified workforce.
“This centre and our new prospectus will provide a one-stop-shop for a range of employment opportunities, including those at Hinkley Point C, and I am thrilled we are able to support it.”