Major investment will bring services together in a city-centre hub, expand apprenticeship opportunities and strengthen access to skills and training across Hull.
Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) is preparing to relocate three of its five centres to Hull City Council's new state-of-the-art Centre for Learning this September, marking a significant step forward in the delivery of education, skills, and apprenticeship training across the city.
The move will bring together the service's Business Centre, Engineering Centre, and Avenues Adult Education Centre in a modern city-centre learning hub. The Construction Centre on Nursery Grove and Preston Road Adult Education Centre at the Freedom Centre will continue to operate from their existing locations.
Based in the refurbished former Derek Crothall Building on George Street, the Centre for Learning forms part of the council's wider investment in education, skills and workforce development. The new facility will bring key services together under one roof, creating a more connected learning environment and improving access for learners, employers and partners.
As part of the move, HTAE’s Engineering Centre on Dane Park Road, the Business Centre at Craven Park Training and Enterprise Centre and Avenues Adult Education Centre on Park Avenue will relocate to the new city-centre site.
The Centre for Learning will also become home to the council’s Learning and Development Service, bringing together education, skills and workforce development activity in one location. This co-location will support greater collaboration between services and provide enhanced learning and progression opportunities for residents, learners and staff.
A phased relocation programme will take place throughout the summer, with activity beginning in July and continuing through August. This will include the transfer of specialist workshops, equipment and office spaces, along with the installation of new IT systems and infrastructure.
Staff will begin accessing the building from early September ahead of learners returning in the week commencing 21 September. This will allow time to prepare teaching spaces, install specialist equipment and ensure a smooth transition into the new facility.
Adam Wilson, senior lead business develop and contracting at HTAE, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our service to grow and expand further.
“The Centre for Learning is a state-of-the-art facility which will ensure we can provide high-quality learning and industry-relevant training which both our learners want and our city’s workforce needs.”
The moves includes a brand-new welding and fabrication workshop, enabling the delivery of a new welding apprenticeship programme and creating additional opportunities for learners looking to enter the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
HTAE will also significantly expand its apprenticeship provision as part of the move, introducing new programmes across a range of sectors. These include content creator, supply chain warehouse operative, artificial intelligence and automation practitioner, employability practitioner, early years educator and welding apprenticeships.
The new programmes reflect both employer demand and the need for a skilled workforce across digital, technical, manufacturing, logistics, education and early years settings, helping to ensure learners are equipped with the skills required by modern industries.
Alongside these developments, HTAE will continue to deliver a broad and inclusive curriculum for adult learners, supporting people to build confidence, gain qualifications and progress into employment, apprenticeships, or further study. The service supports thousands of learners each year and offers opportunities across a wide range of subjects and skill levels.
While many services will relocate to the Centre for Learning, community-based learning will remain a key part of HTAE's offer. A range of adult learning courses will continue to be delivered in neighbourhood venues across Hull, ensuring residents can access learning opportunities locally and benefit from flexible, community-focused provision.
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for Hull Training at the council, added: “Hull Training is a valuable service within the council and this brand new Centre for Learning will help to support it and our learners further.
The creation of the Centre for Learning represents an important investment in Hull's skills infrastructure. By bringing services together, improving facilities and expanding training opportunities, the development will help more residents access high-quality education and support local employers to develop the skilled workforce they need.
The move marks an exciting new chapter for Hull Training and Adult Education and reinforces Hull City Council's commitment to lifelong learning, skills development and creating opportunities for residents across the city.