Gideon Amos visits SS&L to champion adult education and youth opportunities across Somerset

Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos took the time to visit SS&L (Somerset Skills and Learning)’s headquarters in Bridgwater on Friday, September 6.

Upon arrival, Mr Amos spoke with Kathryn Baker (CEO) and Justin Speirs (Director of Curriculum & Quality) as he was given a tour of the facilities.

During his visit, the MP learned about SS&L’s impact on education across Somerset, with centres also based in Taunton, Yeovil, Frome, and Shepton Mallet.

Kathryn elaborated on how the community interest company provides alternative adult learning opportunities, as well as pre-apprenticeship opportunities for 16-19 year olds, and a range of free courses to support adults into work, to further their careers or to progress onto further education.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Gideon Amos to our Bridgwater centre and speak with him about the importance of adult education,” Kathryn said.

“With over 6,000 learners annually, SS&L is dedicated to empowering individuals at every level, from pre-entry to Level 5 qualifications.

“Our work includes helping adults to gain vital qualifications and life skills for employment, guiding young people into apprenticeships to kick-start their careers, and running free courses for people in Somerset who want to learn something new.

“Mr Amos was impressed by our success in providing opportunities not only for his constituents, but people across the entirety of the South West of England.”

Reflecting on his visit, Gideon Amos said: “I’m determined that young people in Taunton and Wellington get the best possible opportunities to develop their potential - we need inward investment to the area to provide those opportunities and key to achieving that is a trained and well-equipped workforce. 

“I was therefore delighted to hear about some of the success stories from SS&L who work with some of those who have found education harder to access and take advantage of. 

“The education on offer also enriches the lives of many such children but government needs to go further to ensure all children get the access to the type of education they need.”

For more information, or to sign up for a course, visit SS&L's website at www.sslcourses.co.uk, or call 0330 332 7997.