New look Skills and Employment Hubs helping people to unlock their potential
(L-R) Matthew Smith (Skills and Employment Manager), Councillor Nathan Pardoe (Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation) and Hayley Owen (Economic Growth Manager) celebrate the launch of the Skills and Employment Prospectus at Wyvern House, Winsford on Friday 9 May.
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Skills and Employment Service is getting a fresh new look. A new Prospectus was launched on Friday 9 May 2025 detailing the training and support available for people looking to learn new skills for their career or help to get into work.
There are four Skills and Employment Hubs in the Borough in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford. Previously known as Work Zones, these Hubs provide a base to deliver employment support and an extensive adult learning programme. Skills and Employment Hubs support people who want to develop new skills before looking for employment and those who are already in work and want to improve their prospects. The Hubs offer more than just help to find work and so have been rebranded to reflect the broad offering of support that can help residents. Learning and Skills Hubs will now be known as Skills and Employment Outreach.
The Skills and Employment team has been part of Cheshire West and Chester Council since its inception, and the team has grown to over 100 people delivering over a dozen different projects.
The Skills and Employment Service offers adult learning and training, including Skills and Employment Hubs, outreach, and courses delivered by partners in areas ranging from beauty treatments to forklift truck training. There are also employment support projects which focus on providing tailored support to residents with barriers to work.
The new Prospectus showcases the breadth of these services and will help residents to decide which service could assist them.
The Prospectus was launched at an event last week at Winsford Skills and Employment Hub, highlighting the work of the Skills and Employment team and the support available to help people to learn new skills or to assist them in their career or job search.
During the launch day, the Winsford Skills and Employment Hub delivered a Functional Skills English course and an Interview Skills session. People who completed the Interview Skills session will get a guaranteed job interview for the new B&M superstore in Winsford.
Employment Directions helped me to realise my potential and my self-worth. The support I received allowed me to explore options that I may never otherwise have looked at. My quality of life has dramatically improved, I have financial stability, and I feel very excited for my future.” “I received the professional help which allowed me to go back to work. Without support from my employment advisor, it would not have been possible. I appreciate the level of engagement, fantastic communication and knowledge. I strongly recommend the service for every person with long term mental health problems.” “I just want to thank you so much for working with and helping her. She has come out of her shell and it's great to see. When she got the news to say she has the job - wow, she was beyond excited. This is a good start for her going forward and it's thanks to you!
Skills and Employment has been part of Cheshire West and Chester Council since it began, and I am extremely proud of the work the Council teams do and the glowing feedback they receive from residents. The teams are an inspiration, they put residents first, understand them and build their confidence - they don’t blame or berate, they support and encourage. This culture of understanding is why we’ve rebranded our hubs as Skills and Employment Hubs, to make clear that the service is for anybody - whether they are ready for work today or need some help to get there. No matter your situation, background or needs, we will meet you where you are. With these changes, the Council has kept its promise to create a training and employment service for our Borough by combining its adult education, skills, careers and employment services. The Hubs alongside a new Prospectus underline our commitment to residents that if they need support into work or help finding find their way, this Council is on their side.
For more about the Skills and Employment Service, to find out what courses are running and view the Prospectus of support available, visit: