SEEVIC

The development of a new skills campus to be built on Canvey Island has been granted planning permission. Construction on the project, a partnership between SEEVIC College and Essex County Council, is due to start later this year and the centre is planning to open its doors to students in the academic year of 2011/12.

Sarah Wright, Principal of SEEVIC College says “We are delighted with the approval of planning permission for Canvey Skills Campus. The new skills campus is a very exciting development for the people of Canvey and forSEEVIC College. The campus will provide first class educational opportunities in a first class setting”

Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education said: “It is great news that planning permission has been granted for the Canvey Skills Campus. Essex County Council has long supported the establishment of dedicated skills centres, believing them to be essential tool in increasing the skills levels of young people and offering the opportunity to undertake an alternative education. The centre will not only provide young people in South Essex with access to a vast learning and skills programme, where currently no provision exists, but signals our commitment to improving skills and investing in our future workforce.”

Cllr Peter Martin, Leader of Essex County Council said: “The Canvey Skills Campus is not only great news for over 350 young people who will benefit each year from the courses but also for local businesses. Training young people and providing them with skills so they are ready to work ensures that local employers have a supply of skilled individuals ready and able to enter employment.

The state of the art skills centre will be built next to the current Castleview School site and will include learning for 14-16 year olds, 16-19 year olds as well as adults and community learning.  Designs show a unique hexagon shaped centre as the main feature of the building, which will accommodate a communal networking and learning area for students with teaching and learning areas positioned on each side of the building.

The centre will offer training in motor vehicle engineering, construction, health & social care, sport & leisure and hospitality & catering. The campus will house industry standard equipment and offer state-of-the-art facilities for these specialist subject areas including a repairs workshop, brickwork and masonry workshop area and a working kitchen.