Student Stories

C was referred to SKIDZ from his main-stream school to the Entry Level Course. His progress at school deteriorated and he transferred to The Wycombe Grange PRU but continued to attend SKIDZ and made good progress During this time C worked a full day as if in a normal garage workshop, experiencing a variety of tasks, gaining valuable skills, learning to work in an adult environment, growing in confidence and building self-esteem. In Spring 2005 a placement was found at a local garage for work experience. The manager was so pleased with C’s work that he offered him a full-time permanent position on the staff. C and all his supporters at SKIDZ were delighted at this transformation from a troubled young man into a respected and valued member of society. C received his WJEC Entry Level results and found he had not only gained a distinction but had also scored in the top 15 in the country. When asked what he thought about SKIDZ, C replied “I’ve learnt a lot and feel better about myself – I’ve matured. The instructors are great, they are happy to help and treat me like an adult.”O came to us first as part of the Increased Flexibility Programme, attending the Entry Level Course. He did not stand out as an excellent student at the time. Sadly O’s lifestyle began to change and he became involved with criminal activities, and to have the inevitable problems at home. After leaving SKIDZ he took part in a Youth at Risk programme which enabled him to take control of his life and see the direction in which he was heading. Through his own hard work and determination he managed to turn his life around and start afresh. Several months later he came to SKIDZ full-time to gain work experience and to look for work in the motor trade. In the meantime too, he applied for acceptance into the army. O’s patience and perseverance was eventually rewarded with acceptance into REME. He is extremely happy, enjoying life and has successfully put all his problems behind him. He is now one of the Forces top skiers!

Toby Newton is the 2006 reining Ginetta Junior Champion, having found his feet in karting – yet he is only 15 years old and in his first year of car racing. Toby has signed up with the successful GT Racing Team, Xero Competition and will drive a Xero-run Radical SR4 in the Dunlop Radical Bidura Championships. Xero Competition is a professional racing team who have competed in British GT, Britcar, and Belcar in recent years with great success. In 2006 they will compete in the British Touring Championships. In 2005 Toby was the British Playstation 2 Junior Ginetta champion in his first full season in car racing. He had 4 wins, double wins at Brands Hatch, 5 lap records, 10 podiums of 12 races, and was never out of the top 4. He was voted the 10th greatest sports car driver in 2005.

Toby will be their youngest ever driver for Xero Competition, being 16 years old just 6 days before his first big race with them. Toby has gained some sponsorship but is looking for a little more – visit his web site – www.tobynewton.com for more information. Toby completed his Entry Level course here at SKIDZ in summer 2006.

T enrolled on the 2-year Entry Level Course in September 2005 with a Year 10 group from his school. He was in fact older than his peers but had missed a good deal of school because he is autistic. In spite of these difficulties T settled well into SKIDZ and enjoyed the hands on experience as well as the more academic aspects. In fact he worked so hard that he completed ALL the modules way ahead of his colleagues. The tutors therefore decided to enter him for the exam a year early. T excelled and gained a Distinction much to his delight and that of his tutor. It is very rewarding to see that a young person can overcome such a difficulty and succeed at such a high level. T is now studying at Henley College doing a Foundation Course.

J One huge success story is about John with Aspergers Syndrome as well as being a persistent offender, who came to SKIDZ Banbury in October 2004. J was known to be very challenging and had failed to stick at anything. Initially he came just for 2 mornings, but now attends full time and is quite amazing. He has become a responsible adult in quite a short time and developed his skills in welding and particularly with motor-bike mechanics, where he even outshines the tutors! In addition he has been able to supervise others and help them with their work. He has made a very positive input to the daily life of SKIDZ. On arrival we were told J could not read or write, yet some months down the line, we find he is able to complete the course work modules to a high standard, has completed 5 out of 6 already, and hopefully will do well in the Entry Level final exam. This is the kind of story that makes us all feel good!

A was our top student in 2005-06 scoring 197 out of 200 in the Entry Level exam. He is currently working for Browns Agricultural in Chesham, as a trainee mechanic. We have learned that he is doing very well and has recently passed his driving test.

Browns are very pleased with his progress and plan to send him to college in September on day release to gain his Agricultural Engineering qualifications.

D is just completing his 2-year course at Wycombe in June 2008. His tutor has predicted he will be one of the top scorers in the country and describes him as an excellent student. It was no surprise that he was put forward along with three other SKIDZ students, for consideration by Volvo for an apprenticeship at their dealership in High Wycombe. D excelled in all aspects and was selected by the Volvo assessor for interview, but the Manager of the Dealership was so impressed with the recommendations he accepted D straight away. D is delighted of course, and starts work as soon as he has completed his exams at school. He will be the second SKIDZ student to be chosen by Volvo – we wish him every success in his career.