The Eastern Skills Centre is the result of the close collaboration between the secondary schools in the Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley areas and local affordable housing provider Adactus Housing.  Adactus’s advice, guidance, expertise and financial commitment has been invaluable in establishing the Centre. 

The secondary schools have worked closely together in order to improve the quality of learning and the life chances of all the young people they serve.  The Centre allows students to gain nationally recognised qualifications in all aspects of the construction industry, in a realistic off site working experience where students are guided by highly qualified professionals.  The Eastern Skills Centre is running courses for over 60 students and it is the first organisation of its kind in the country to be awarded a contract to run 16 apprenticeships. 

The Eastern Skills Centre provides a significant addition to adult learning in the area and all the local communities are invited to share in this training facility.

Helen Bryan, Deputy Headteacher at Westleigh High School,
commented that “the Eastern Skills Centre is a perfect example of how local schools are working closely together to enable all students to have the opportunity to enjoy and achieve in their education.” 

Andrew Dawson, Senior Deputy Headteacher at St. Mary’s called the Centre a “remarkable achievement” which is “an outstanding example of what can be accomplished by schools who have a willingness and determination to expand opportunities for all.”

Paul Lees, Group Chief Executive at Adactus Housing said: “As a local Housing Association and employer in Wigan and Leigh, we welcome the opportunity to work with local schools to provide first class facilities and opportunities for residents and their children.”