A skills and employment hub has been launched at Sutton Community Academy.

It has been provided by the Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATT FE) following the relocation of the Jobcentre Plus in Sutton to Kirkby in early September.

A spokesman said the hub would become a key resource.

Concerns were raised by ATT FE students and learners about the impact of the move on their travel costs and the increased time needed to search for employment.

In response, staff at ATT FE invested in computers and printers, and developed training courses to create the hub.

Jobseekers can become members of the hub to access the PCs to search for employment, use printers to get copies of CVs and information in preparation for interviews, and join drop-in sessions for one-to-one guidance on employment.

Regular training sessions for all abilities will be held.

Hub members can also gain skills in using computers ahead of Universal Credits becoming a full digital service from August 2018, when all claimants for benefits, including Jobseekers Allowance and Working Tax Credit, will have to make new claims online.

At the launch event of the hub, hosted in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions and the Jobcentre in Sutton, ATT FE tutors talked about the service and training courses to 70 people.

Many have since signed up for further courses to support their skill development.

Monthly skills and employment events along with weekly information and advice sessions are planned at ATT FE’s Skills and Employment Hub.

People interested in attending the sessions or registering as a member can contact Heather Bowerman on 01623 441310 ext 5703, or email [email protected]

In a recent inspection by Ofsted, inspectors commended the strength and effectiveness of links established by ATT FE with local employers, organisations and the Jobcentre Plus.

Liz Barrett, principal at ATT FE commented: “We are keen to support the local community in any way we can. This will be valuable addition.

“The closure of the job centre represents a big loss in the community, which we are working hard to support.”