A brief history of the centre
Havercroft Skills Project (re-named Havercroft and Ryhill Community Learning Project in January 2008) first opened its doors in September of 1990 as a ten week pilot scheme. Prior to the initial opening, publicity information and questionnaires had been distributed within the local community. It was in response to demand for education and training from the local community that Havercroft Skills Project was created. The Centre opened for just two days each week at this time. Courses included a basic computer course, a maths and English workshop and a video camera course.
Havercroft has a strong mining heritage and following the collapse of the coal mining industry was in great need of regeneration. Following the initial ten weeks the Centre was supported by and secured further funding from Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to continue into January 1991 and has since gone from strength to strength.
The Centre was re-furbished in 2000 with funding from the SRB 5 (Single Regeneration Budget) - Lifelong Learning Bid. The massive improvement in the standard of accommodation and facilities enabled the Centre to offer a quality-learning environment for all. Please click here for other information including video clips.
The curriculum at Havercroft continually responds to the needs of the local community and now opens for courses Monday to Friday and has occasional weekend courses. There are over 40 courses to choose from, including various computer based courses at all levels, painting for pleasure, Italian, Spanish, Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, First Aid, Health and Social Care etc. Fitness courses take place in the nearby Sports Centre and various family-learning courses in local schools.
Most courses at Havercroft do not require any previous knowledge or experience and all are conducted in a friendly, informal atmosphere. Most courses consist of a weekly two-hour session and are tailored to the needs of adults. The courses are mainly school term time to allow for family commitments with some short courses at other times for those who are able to attend. The Centre's crèche is registered with OFSTED and caters for 3 month to under 5 year olds and is available for children whose parents or guardians are enrolled on any of the courses.
The Centre has enabled many students to gain the qualifications and confidence to apply for jobs as well as giving students the opportunity to meet new people, build up their confidence, re-train and learn a new skill.
It is often a huge step for someone to return to learning, especially when they have not taken part in any learning since leaving school. The Centre continues to pride itself on its informal atmosphere, with everyone enjoying the friendly environment.
The Centre works closely with Wakefield Adult Education Service and with other local providers, and looks forward to continuing to provide an essential service to the local community in the future.
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