Summer 2003

Celebrations all round for SKIDZ

This year we have many achievements to celebrate and many good news stories to recall.

Entry Level results

This was the first year we offered Entry Level in Motor Vehicle Studies to our students. Funding came from the Learning & Skills Council through the Wycombe Schools Consortium.

Of the 43 who completed the course 41 passed, 26 at distinction level. Out of 2,000 students throughout the country who sat the exam SKIDZ students came 1st, 2nd, 5th, 7th and 13th, outstanding achievements for them and Paul, their instructor.

Staff results

As part of our staff development programme Gordon White successfully passed his Post Graduate Certificate of Education in July. During the year-long course he received many commendations for the quality of his work.

Past student achievements

One of our past students has been back to tell us that he has just finished a two-year college course in Motorsport Engineering.

Of the 30 starters he was one of only 10 who finished, a testament to his determination. Our congratulations go to John for the success he has achieved.

Some of the students who left this summer have started Modern Apprenticeships in local garages and others have found jobs in a variety of employment sectors. Our Geared Up & Sparking project, funded by the LSC, now has 5 former students on 12-week work experience placements at local garages. The workplace training they are now participating in may lead to full-time employment if a position is available, but if not will be a valuable addition to their CV's.

Record student numbers and training hours

At the end of the summer holidays, when our monitoring year ends, we will have had over 800 students on SKIDZ courses, totalling over 18,000 training hours. This compares to last years totals of 682 students and 11,858 training hours.

Starting in September we will have approximately 100 extra students a week attending SKIDZ, about 300 every week. We have employed additional staff to cope with the demand but extra space may be needed for any more expansion.

BBC Children in Need

We have just received notification that our application for funding has been successful. The grant is for £75,220 over 3 years. This goes halfway to replacing our National Lottery grant that finishes at the end of this year.

Community Transport

After requests from two local groups we will be co-ordinating the running of their community mini-buses from 1st September 2003. These will be available to hire by community groups, schools etc. If you require more details please contact us.

Thank you to everyone who supports SKIDZ no matter how.