Study Local, Go Far: Grand Opening of The Bridge Skills Hub
A new state-of-the-art university campus known as The Bridge Skills Hub (TBSH) officially opened its doors today (22 March 2023) in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, after nearly three years of restoration work.
To mark this special occasion, RNN Group joined other industry partners at the centre for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Representatives from Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Bassetlaw District Council, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Lindum Construction and Bassetlaw Place-Based Partnership were all in attendance.
North Notts College (part of RNN Group) was named the first provider at the hub in February last year and has been offering higher education (HE) courses at the centre ever since. Jason Austin, CEO and Principal of RNN Group said:
“I am delighted on behalf of the RNN Group to be supporting this formal launch of the Bridge Skills Hub today as the first provider to sign up to deliver HE courses here last year.
“RNN Group truly believes in delivering innovation and skills in our communities and we are so proud to be able to have extended our HE offers here after the success of our offering at University Centre Rotherham.”
The building features cutting-edge facilities made to support a variety of programmes across business, childcare, and health sciences. These include higher-level apprenticeships, foundation degrees, access to HE courses, and degree top-up courses.
D2N2 LEP allocated £3.5 million towards refurbishment from their share of the government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ in a bid to close skills gaps and boost employability locally. Cllr White, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, commented:
“It has been wonderful to see The Bridge Skills Hub transform from a neglected building into a modern education and training facility. The creation of the Skills Hub has provided local people with the chance to advance their education and skills. This is about raising aspirations and creating new opportunities and choices to advance and change careers.
“It gives me great pleasure to officially open the building today and I want to extend my thanks to D2N2 and RNN Group for sharing the vision with me four years ago and making this centre possible.
“I want to wish all our existing students good luck in their courses, and look forward to seeing many more students, businesses, training providers and events coming through the doors for many years to come.”
Since opening last year, TBSH has quickly become a hotspot for people looking to switch careers, retrain, or further their education. One of the first people to study at the hub was Access to HE: Health Science Professions student, Claire. She said:
“The Bridge Skills Hub is a clean, light, and airy building with good security and friendly staff. Due to being located in Worksop town centre, it has easy transport links in addition to a variety of car parks being within a short walking distance. There are plenty of shops and cafes nearby too, making nipping for lunch stress-free.
“So far, the course content has been really interesting and relevant to working in the health professions. It gives a broad base of knowledge that covers science, health, and social care.”
To find out more about the courses we offer at The Bridge Skills Hub, please visit: https://www.nnc.ac.uk/bridge-skills-hub/