A SPECIALIST school has moved its older students into an historic mill complex, offering employability training.
The post-16 department of the West Leeds Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) is now based in the recently renovated Mending Rooms at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley.
They have been based at Springfield Commercial Centre in Farsley for the past six years, where pupils have been developing their road safety and employability skills as well as confidence.
Rob Lakewood of West SILC said: “The Mending Rooms represent the next step in our journey. This space is our Employability setting, developing key skills in specific job sectors that give our young people genuine opportunities to work towards employment.
“Being based in the heart of Farsley enables our pupils to take full advantage of all the amazing opportunities the village can offer our young people.
"Having previously worked on an exciting project with the Sunny Bank Mills Archive, we have a great insight into what Sunny Bank can offer us.
“Facilities such as the Mill Kitchen, Grumpy's, Amity Brew and Scrap Creative have enabled us to show our students how we can give them aspirational opportunities.”
He thanked the owners of Sunny Bank Mills for their support of the school and students over the years, including putting them in touch with the mill’s archive and running a careers session for West SILC students.
John Gaunt, one of the co-owners and managing directors of Sunny Bank Mills, added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome West SILC to Sunny Bank.
“They have played a pivotal role in our archive project called Weaving the Web, which has created a special online collection.
“I am full of admiration for the innovative and ground-breaking approach Rob and the West SILC team have towards preparing their young people for life beyond their school.
“I am happy that Sunny Bank Mills and its community can contribute to that journey. In turn, they will add a new dimension to our community and the ongoing regeneration of the mills.”
Over the past ten years, Sunny Bank Mills has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use retail and leisure complex, welcoming 100 new companies and creating 400 sustainable new jobs.
While the majority of Sunny Banks Mills is occupied, four spaces will be available shortly, including space in the Spinning Mill, the 1912 Mill and The Old Engine Rooms.
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