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Adult Skills Centre

Group of students sat around a table enjoying a snack and using tablets

The facilities at Coleg Gwent’s Adult Skills Centre in Usk offer adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities everything they need to develop skills, socialise with others and fulfil their potential. Here, they can enjoy wide open spaces and a safe rural setting, with experienced and qualified staff making their experience fun, friendly and meaningful.

For over 30 years we’ve worked with local authorities and directly with individuals, tailoring each student’s experience to their own individual needs and helping them develop a whole range of skills:

Social and Independence
Building confidence, developing independent thinking, making good choices and taking responsibility

Health and safety
Including safety in the home, at work, wellbeing and personal hygiene

Cookery and food preparation
Preparing healthy meals and snacks, shopping for ingredients and baking cakes

Horticulture
Planting, watering, potting on, feeding, nurturing and harvesting plants, flowers and vegetables

Animal Care
All aspects of looking after our furry friends

Community Involvement
Taking part in local community projects, volunteer opportunities and social events

Access to education

The Centre is an integrated environment that acts as a community hub, taking a supportive approach and encouraging independent thinking, learning new skills and community participation. It’s a fun environment giving students opportunities to socialise, as well as to provide respite for carers.

Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am-3.30pm, 48 weeks a year

To find out more or arrange a trial at the Centre call 01495 333687.

What our students think

Kate Bass, 31 from Abergavenny

Without the support from staff, Kate wouldn’t have had the confidence or motivation to learn to drive, but she’s now had a number of lessons and is ready to take her theory test.

“I can’t wait to pass my test.  It will mean I don’t have to rely on my granddad to drive me – I’ll have my independence and more freedom.  I wouldn’t have taken the plunge without the encouragement from the staff at the Centre. I’ve got some good friends here – the other students and staff are really nice.  I enjoy looking after the rabbits and the chickens, and watering the tomatoes and the hanging baskets. Coming to the Centre two days a week has really improved my confidence which has made me enjoy the rest of my week even more – I volunteer at a charity shop, play in a darts team and present my own show on Able Radio.”

Luke Davies, 21 from Monmouth

Since starting at the Centre two years ago, Luke’s conquered his shyness and is now on a mainstream agriculture course planning to get a job on a farm.

“I left school and started at the Centre when I was 19 and at first I was very quiet and shy, but being around other people in such a friendly environment helped bring me out of my shell. I really enjoyed gardening at the Centre and being outside, so I chose to do a Level 1 agriculture course.  I’ve learned to look after the animals, operate farm machinery and drive a tractor, and I’m looking forward to starting Level 2 in September. I still pop in to the Centre to see everyone and I still get as warm a welcome as I did on my first day, and feel just as at home.”

Jim Smith, 54 from Rogiet

Jim has been coming to the Centre for over 20 years and has enjoyed every minute, but he’s especially happy with the improvements that have been made in the last 12 months.

“The Centre is a very important part of my life so it’s great that the staff have spent time doing it up.  It’s a very friendly group of staff and I get on with the other students too. I like to be busy which is great at the Centre as there’s always something to do – painting the garden furniture, maintaining the minibus and watering the gardens. I’ve also done a number of courses whilst I’ve been here which has given me skills I use every day – gardening, personal progress, managing money and healthy living.”