Spring 2005

More celebrations for SKIDZ

Following on the success of recent years, SKIDZ has even more to celebrate this year.

New SKIDZ Projects in Banbury and Aylesbury

SKIDZ in High Wycombe has proved so successful in meeting the needs of young people in the local community that similar projects have been replicated in Banbury and Aylesbury. In June 2004, the new premises in Banbury were set up ready to receive their first students in September. Over in Aylesbury the new project opened in October, where there was an instant demand for places. Secondary Schools, Special Schools and Pupil Referral Units in all areas are delighted with the wide selection of courses available to young people. We are confident the centres will continue to expand and develop in partnership with statutory agencies.

Expansion at SKIDZ ­ The Wycombe Project

In September 2004 SKIDZ took over the neighbouring building in Leigh Street to further increase the number of places available to students in the area. The new premises gave us an extra workshop with four extra classrooms. We welcome some 400 students a week in total.

Student Successes

The majority of our students sit the Entry Level Examination in Motor Vehicle Studies, which is a two year course. We were pleased with our first set of results, but expectations were exceeded in the 2003 ­ 04 groups, who again excelled with very high marks. Once again we had students who achieved top marks of students across the country. It looks as if the next cohort of students who have just sat their final exams are going to further exceed their predecessors! Such good results are due to the hard work of students, but also are a credit to the dedicated staff who work here at SKIDZ.

Examination statistics are important, but at SKIDZ we also recognise the practical skills that our students gain, such as communication skills, working in an adult environment and increased maturity that support them in a variety of ways in their future life, or in helping them to re-engage with education, and to build their self-esteem.

Past Students Achievements

It is gratifying to see many of our former students moving on to further education or to employment as a result of courses they have studied with us. The increasing number of requests for references gives us some indication of the variety of companies employing these young people. We are particularly pleased if young people are able to find an apprenticeship ­ like Martin who has been accepted at Porsche.

Staff Development

With the opening of the extension at Wycombe and the two new projects, our staffing numbers have increased significantly. Their personal development has always been important to us, but especially now. During the year, members of staff have attended a variety of courses to improve and update their own qualifications, adding to their many years of practical experience. A recent count showed that together the staff at Wycombe had totalled over 250 years of experience in the motor vehicle trade. Courses attended include First Aid, and Health & Safety.

Funding

We are delighted that funding has been secured from the European Social Fund, as well as the Learning and Skills Council to support the courses on offer to students.

However, there are some concerns at the reduction in funding for the coming academic year 2005 ­ 06 from the LSC. This may mean some schools will need to fund the courses themselves, including the transport to bring their students to and from SKIDZ.

As ever, we are grateful for the continuing support from our partners in statutory agencies, local business and the local community.

SKIDZ Foundation

SKIDZ Foundation Ltd was established to administer three European Social Fund contracts involving a partnership of motor projects in the Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire area involving Trax in Oxford, Wheelright in Milton Keynes and SKIDZ in High Wycombe, Banbury and Aylesbury.

The projects in Oxford, Milton Keynes and Wycombe were already well established and the opportunity to work together and share knowledge was welcomed by all concerned. The absence of motor projects in Aylesbury and Banbury had been recognised for a long time and the ESF contracts were the catalyst needed for projects to start delivering in these locations.

An ESF contract has also been awarded to work in partnership with MK Women Builders to deliver basic construction courses in Milton Keynes and Wycombe. SKIDZ Foundation has also been commissioned to conduct feasibility studies into the starting up of new motor projects in other towns around the country.

In partnership with others The SKIDZ Foundation is also working towards getting Road User Education in all its different guises delivered to nationally recognised standards throughout the country.

Thank you to everyone who supports SKIDZ no matter how.