A pioneering new immersive learning destination in Rotherham has welcomed a royal visit, as Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh toured Skills Street.
The visit took place at Skills Street CIC, located within Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park, where Their Royal Highnesses were given a first-hand look at the innovative education and training environment designed to inspire young people and transform how they engage with careers and skills development.
Skills Street offers hands-on, curriculum-linked experiences that allow students to explore real-world industries in an interactive and engaging way. Having opened for initial visits earlier this year, the centre is now welcoming schools, colleges, and educational groups from across the region.
A key highlight of the visit was the aviation experience, which immerses students in a full airport simulation. From check-in through to boarding a real Boeing 737 fuselage, learners then take to the skies using an industry-standard flight simulator. Visitors can also explore historic Rolls-Royce and Vulcan aircraft engines while discovering career opportunities in aviation, engineering, travel, and tourism.
During the visit, local primary and secondary school pupils were actively engaged in skills-based activities across six industry learning zones, showcasing the centre’s commitment to experiential learning.
Julie Dalton, Managing Director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts and a board member of Skills Street, said:
“What an honour to have welcomed Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to Skills Street. We were so pleased to meet them and showcase the amazing facility we have built here in Rotherham. They were extremely receptive to the aims of Skills Street as we develop new ways to help young people engage with careers and skills development, as well as our exciting plans for future growth.”
Skills Street features a wide range of sector-themed zones developed in partnership with leading organisations, including:
- Energy with E.ON, exploring renewable energy
- Health and Social Work with the NHS and Rotherham Council, showcasing more than 380 career pathways
- Construction with Esh Group, highlighting all aspects of the construction industry
- Advanced Manufacturing with Gripple, focusing on robotics and automation
James Beighton, Development Manager at Skills Street, added:
“To welcome Their Royal Highnesses to Skills Street was an absolute privilege. What a fantastic way to showcase the work happening locally to support the needs of education, business and communities across South Yorkshire. Days like today are proof of what we can achieve when working together to inspire our next generation workforce and stimulate our local economy, one skill at a time.”
Skills Street forms part of a wider £20 million investment by Rotherham Council, aimed at boosting skills, education, and leisure opportunities across the region.
