Realise helps 1,000 people unlock their potential in Bradford

More than 1,000 people have improved their skills and employability through training courses with Realise in Holme Wood in Bradford.

Launched in 2023, The Skills Hub in Holme Wood offers adults aged 19 and over the opportunity to complete nationally recognised Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications.

All training is free of charge for learners.

Holme Wood is one of the UK's most deprived areas, with 46% of adults having no qualifications and an unemployment rate above the national average.

Director of Adult Skills at Realise, Dan Goodall, said:

"This is a real landmark both for Realise and Bradford, with 1,000 people now better equipped to find long-term employment.

A large number of courses on offer have a guaranteed interview with employers, and the impact of the training is that residents are going to work, improving the local economy and promoting social mobility.

The skills and support at the hub have been tailored to meet the needs of the local economy and labour market, and we're really proud to help people from around Holme Wood to unlock their potential.

I would encourage anyone interested to come to the hub, whether it's to see what kind of qualifications we have on offer or just to learn a bit more about what we do and the support that we can provide."

Courses available include Functional Skills in Maths and English, Customer Service, Digital Skills, and SIA Security. 

Delivery of the hub was made possible through the support of the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's £64 million devolved budget.

The facility is based at The Holme Centre at Holme United Reformed Church on Madison Avenue.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said:

We're building a region of learning and creativity where people of all ages and backgrounds can get the skills they need to succeed - helping them fulfil their potential and put more money in their pockets.

By helping those who need it most to grow their confidence, boost their prospects and step into exciting careers, we're giving local businesses the talent they need to build a stronger, better off West Yorkshire."

The training milestone follows the announcement last year that Holme Wood will receive £20 million over the next 10 years from the government's Pride of Place investment fund.

Realise is a national training provider, specialising in Business Skills, Early Years, Health and Social Care, Smart Energy, Transport and Adult Skills, and supports more than 18,000 learners every year across apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps and other training programmes.

Explore the range of courses available in West Yorkshire.