A celebration to mark the launch of a new learning centre for adults studying at The Sheffield College has been held.
Provision for adults including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), maths, digital and employability courses has moved to Pennine 5 on Tenter Street in Sheffield City Centre.
The move to Pennine 5 is part of an ongoing programme by the College to invest in teaching and learning facilities for the benefit of students and in partnership with employers and key organisations in the city.
Civic leaders, educationalists and employers toured the facilities and spoke with students and staff during an official opening that took place earlier this term.
Guests included Clive Betts, Sheffield South East MP, and Martin McKervey, the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, who commended staff on their commitment.
Martin McKervey presented three staff, Dawn Griffiths, Mahmood Hussain and James Moylan, who have been influential in the opening of the new centre, with High Sheriff certificates.
Staff from the Association of Colleges, BGI, Department for Work and Pensions and RBH Properties also attended the launch on April 1st, 2022.
Angela Foulkes, Chief Executive and Principal, The Sheffield College, said: “We are delighted to open our adult learning centre. Pennine 5 offers modern teaching facilities to enhance students’ learning experience so they progress, fulfil their aspirations and go further in education and their careers.
She added: “I am really proud of our staff and the achievements of our adult learners, who are truly humbling and inspirational given the challenges that some have faced.”
Approximately 3,000 adult learners are now being taught in modern facilities across two floors that the College rents at Pennine 5. The majority are studying ESOL qualifications which range from Entry Level through to Level 2 (GCSE equivalent).
Student Ali Rezaei, 40, is completing an ESOL course and is from Iran. A tailor, he was forced to leave the country due to changing his religion.
He said: "My wife was pregnant when I left Iran but, unfortunately, I have never seen my child.” Ali left Iran in 2014 and lived in Germany and France before moving to England in February 2021.
Ali added: "After six months, I went to the College and started classes. I am very happy to be able to spend my time in college. I hope that after completing the course I will be able to integrate into the community and be useful to this country.”
The Sheffield College is the largest ESOL provider in the city. Around 4,000 adults (aged 19-plus) and 200 young people (16 to 18-year-olds) a year study full-time and part-time ESOL courses at different campuses across the College.
Jeremy Hughes, Director of RBH Properties, which owns Pennine 5, added: “We are proud of the environment and facilities that we offer and delighted to be working with such a well-regarded organisation that is providing vital education and skills to communities in the city.”
Martin McKervey, the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, said: “Moving to a new country presents a lot of challenges not least in terms of the language barrier. ESOL provision is an important part of our approach to education and skills; it creates opportunities and empowers learners to be the best they can.”
He added: “It also demonstrates how caring Sheffield is as a city. Not only do we welcome people but we want to help them develop their use of the English language. The Sheffield College is to be applauded for this important and outstanding work. ESOL says something very positive about the College and our great city.”
Find out more about our ESOL courses.
