Frome Town Council has agreed to a subsidy to enable the good work of the Somerset Skills & Learning CIC (SSL) to continue at the Saxonvale Training Centre on land owned by the Council.
Only a peppercorn rent will be charged when a new tenancy agreement is completed with SSL, a not-for-profit social enterprise. This is expected to save the tenant in the region of £8,500 p.a. and enable SSL’s resources to be ploughed into the delivery of its services.
The Saxonvale Training Centre plays an important role in improving the employability of young people and adults alike. Over the last 2 years, SSL has supported 195 learners to achieve qualifications.
The help that adult learners can obtain includes; counselling, computing skills, maths and English, adult apprenticeships and courses to improve access to Higher Education.
The CIC also supports 16-18 year olds with; vocational study programmes, learning to work/traineeships for those that would otherwise not be in employment, education or training and 16-18 apprenticeships.
A wide range of other organisations are using the Training Centre as a regular resource. These include groups that support adults with learning and other disabilities back into employment.
Commenting on the decision, cllr Toby Eliot, Mayor of Frome said, “This is not a particular project for the Town Council but a decision that allows really important services in our community to continue. It is essentially a grant in kind and we’re happy to support the work of Somerset Skills and Learning.
“The tenancy agreement also lets either SSL or the Town Council make changes in a short time scale meaning that we still have flexibility over any future Saxonvale development.”
For further information, please contact Peter Wheelhouse, Economic Development & Regeneration Manager at wheelhousep@frometowncouncil.gov.uk or on 01373 475573.
