New training opportunities at state of art learning centre
09 June 2010
Plain Action is delighted to announce the approval of a grant of
£93,750 (75%) towards the cost of a new Applied Learning Centre to
be opened by the Wellington Academy. This grant will assist Plain
Action in achieving one of its main objectives by 2013 - the
provision of many more opportunities in the Salisbury Plain area
for young people, service leavers, military dependents and the
population at large to receive vocational training enabling them to
move into fulfilling local jobs,
The funding will enable The Wellington Academy to convert a
recently leased unit at the Castledown Business Park into a state
of the art Applied Learning Centre.
Rob Wood Director of Business and Enterprise at The Academy who
led the bid said “This is fantastic news and is a real boost to the
project; it means the plans on paper can now become a reality for
the benefit of the students and the whole community”
Mike Collins (Parent Governor) will coordinate the design and
build process to ensure the centre will open early in the autumn
term, it will boast state of the art facilities fully equipped with
all of the tools and resources needed to deliver professionally
recognised City and Guilds construction courses in painting &
decorating, carpentry and plumbing.
A unique partnership with Wiltshire College will mean courses
are delivered to the highest standard, to students of all interests
and abilities. Courses will also be running for members of the
community wishing to gain useful DIY skills right through to those
who want a full professional qualification.
David Cowley (Chair of Governors) said “We are delighted with
the grant. It will enable the Academy to to extend it's curriculum,
as well as offer courses to the wider community. We are extremely
grateful to Plain Action for supporting this project”
If any local business are interested in supporting this exciting
community venture please contact Sandra Richardson at The
Wellington Academy (01264) 405060.
Notes to editors and contact details
Wellington Academy - 01264 405060
Andy Schofield - Principal
David Cowley - Chair of Governors
Rob Wood - Director of Business and Enterprise
Plain Action projects so far approved for funding
| Projects |
Grant |
| Project Inspire (Community First) |
64,552 |
| Making Tracks (Community First) |
39,845 |
| Aviation Observation and Interpretation Area (Museum Army
Flying) |
39,500 |
| Plain Action Business Support (GWE Business West) |
39,385 |
| Bustard Country (Great Bustard Group) |
38,000 |
| Post Point (Community First) |
30,850 |
| Skilled for Health (Army Primary Healthcare Trust) |
20,000 |
| Family Support (Homestart Kennet) |
20,000 |
| Art in the Garden (Friends of Urchfont Garden) |
2,175 |
| Great Stone Way (Friends of the Ridgeway) |
5,000 |
| Church for Community Activity – toilets (Fyfield
PCC) |
4,589 |
| Getting started – fencing (Shipton Allotment
Society) |
2,974 |
| Sustainable Communities on Salisbury Plain (Witls Council
/ MCI Group) |
37,500 |
| Training and quals in Childcare (Learning Curve) |
36,000 |
| Church for Community Activity – toilets (Erlestoke
PCC) |
9,999 |
| Expansion of business (Mayflower Marquees) |
3,757 |
| Ecomapping project (Urchfont Parish Council) |
5,000 |
| Family Support (Homestart South Wilts) |
17,250 |
| Total |
416,376 |
Funding
Plain Action is funded within the Rural Development Programme
England (RDPE). This is funded by the European Agricultural Fund
for European Development 2007-13: Europe investing in rural areas,
and by Defra. It is being delivered through Plain Action, the local
Action Group on Salisbury Plain, and the South West of England
Regional Development Agency with Defra as the Managing
Authority.
Plain Action Objectives
1. To maximise the skills, abilities, and opportunities of all
those living and seeking work in the area, particularly in the
context of the opportunities presented by the military
establishment and the skills of those leaving it.
2. To strengthen the long term economic performance of the area
by supporting initiatives that nurture enterprise, cross sectors
and remove barriers.
3. To work for cohesive, stable and sustainable communities
throughout the area by addressing current imbalances and
geographical and social isolation.
Plain Action Themes
A To increase understanding of the increasingly
essential contribution of the military establishment to the
prosperity of the area and to ensure full military/civilian
integration of all activities including strategic planning.
B To encompass the challenges and opportunities
presented by climate change and environmental issues in the unique
environment of Salisbury Plain.
Contacts for further information
John Dowsett Programme Manager 01380 722475 Ext 240 jdowsett@communityfirst.org.uk
Tim Coomer Programme Officer 01380 722475 Ext 272 tcoomer@communityfirst.org.uk
Lesley Thomas Programme Administrator 01380 722475 Ext 280
lthomas@communityfirst.org.uk
Website: www.plainaction.org.uk