New centre benefits unemployed

Unemployed people from Medway are being up-skilled at a new vocational centre located on Rochester riverside’s Gas House Road.

The brand-new MidKent College-owned site was officially opened yesterday by council head Rodney Chambers. “From September, this wonderful new facility will offer hands-on training for students completing higher education courses in construction and engineering” he said. “Until then, the college is offering a range of courses to local people who are at risk of losing their jobs or are currently unemployed.”

MidKent College principal Stephen Grix said: “We know that the recession is having an impact on the local area and that these are tough times for people living in Medway. For that reason we want to aim our summer courses at those who need a helping hand to boost their skills and increase their employability.”

43-year-old Donna Aris has already started up-skilling at the new training site. “I volunteered to get enrolled on a number of courses here while on a recent visit to the Job Centre,” said the mother-of-four from Strood. “I had to leave work six years ago due to personal circumstances so I’m really keen to back into employment. I know I can do it. I just have to make the most of the courses on offer here and look for further opportunities wherever I can find them. I know there’s an open door waiting somewhere for me.”                   

Courses currently on offer at the centre include confidence building, letter writing, CV writing, action planning, ICT skills, and health & safety. Anyone interested should contact their local Job Centre.