Jess Asato, Lowestoft MP, visits WS Training
On Friday, 28th March 2025, we were delighted to welcome Jess Asato, Member of Parliament (MP) for Lowestoft, to WS Training’s Lowestoft Supported Learning Centre.
The visit provided an opportunity for Jess to gain an in-depth understanding of the work we do to support learners in the local community. She was warmly greeted by our CEO, Kirstie Wright, alongside our Head of Education, Chloe Barnett and Lowestoft Centre Manager, Carl Rogers, who took Jess on a tour of the centre. During her visit, Jess had the chance to meet with staff and hear about our tailored educational programmes, as well as the various ways we support students to achieve their goals. The discussions centred around both the challenges and opportunities present in the education sector, offering a valuable exchange of ideas and insights.
Who is Jess Asato?
Jess Asato is a British Labour Party politician and has been a Labour Party member and activist for over 25 years. She is the Labour MP for Lowestoft and has been an MP continually since 4 July 2024 to present.
Her background and personal experiences have shaped her commitment to public service. She is passionate about making sure every child grows up free from the scourge of poverty and in a society that fights to protect children from trauma and supports them when they have experienced harm.
Jess grew up partly in Cavenham, Suffolk, before moving to Gorleston in Great Yarmouth. During this time, she was a young carer for her grandmother and experienced financial hardship, including relying on benefits. Moreover, through hard work and support from her wider family, she became the first in her family to attend university.
To find out more about Jess Asato click here.
Insights into local education and the challenges ahead
It was fascinating to get to know Jess. For example, we heard about her local upbringing, her work with Barnardo’s and her experiences with her daughter’s education. Furthermore, she shared her insights on some of the challenges the education sector faces, including social media, mobile phones, and collaboration.
What we do at Lowestoft and around Suffolk.
Between them, they discussed a range of topics, beginning with an overview of the programmes we offer. We explained how our courses cater to different learner needs, providing varying levels of support.
The WS Training team highlighted our vocational studies and functional skills programmes, which are designed to help learners achieve their goals and explained how our commitment to their success is at the heart of what we do. We offer a niche, bespoke learning experience tailored to individual needs.
Building strong local partnerships in Lowestoft for learner success
They also discussed our collaborations with local employers, the local authority, and MASH teams. We have strong connections with the police and other organisations, who visit to engage with learners, providing valuable insights to help them make informed choices about their futures.
Finding work experience opportunities in Lowestoft.
They also discussed the benefits of work experience for learners, including supported internships and apprenticeships. As a government-funded apprenticeship provider, WS Training supports both learners and employers throughout the apprenticeship journey. Our goal is to ensure apprentices develop the skills they need for the workplace.
Many of our learners in Lowestoft also have part-time jobs. While these roles may not be their long-term career goals, they provide valuable experience, helping them build confidence, develop key skills, and prepare for future employment.
Our dedicated student support team, safeguarding and wellbeing at WS Training
We take great pride in our dedicated student support & welfare team. We recognise the vital role of mental health and EHCP pastoral support. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Student Support Lead work closely with teams across our sites to provide comprehensive support for learners. We use apps such as My Concern and My Voice for learners, parents and staff. These tools help us maintain clear communication and proactive safeguarding measures.
As an Ofsted Grade 2 provider, we uphold rigorous safeguarding standards, ensuring a robust and supportive environment for all. You can find out more about our safeguarding team here.
Impact of Smartphones on learning and wellbeing
Together, they also discussed the impact of smartphones on brain development and learning, highlighting the increasing challenges children face, including heightened anxiety. It’s not just about what they see, smartphones are inherently addictive.
At WS Training, we use monitored systems to manage phone usage, ensuring our internet blocks access to inappropriate content. While we recognise that outright restrictions are not always the answer, we emphasise clear rules, rewards, and purposeful use of technology. By setting boundaries, we create a balanced approach, allowing access where beneficial while maintaining a structured learning environment.
We were honoured to host Jess Asato at our Lowestoft Supported Learning Centre and appreciate the insightful conversations she shared with us. Her visit underscored the importance of collaboration between local organisations, the education sector, and communities to better support learners. At WS Training, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where learners can work towards achieving their programme whilst building vital skills and preparing for their futures.
