Skillway raises the motivation of teenagers through apprentice-style teaching of manual skills by skilled craftsmen. By coming away from the pressures of academic work one day a week, they not only develop future job prospects but gain tremendous self-esteem from their new found abilities.

Skillway's aim is to raise the self-esteem and motivation of teenagers through apprentice-style teaching of manual skills in our own workshops by skilled craftsmen. The pressure of academic work under the National Curriculum and the implications of League Tables can lead many students to undervalue themselves. By achieving certificates that can lead to NVQ or Accreditation under the Open College Network from one or more of our programmes, we hope to change this by encouraging the concept that success can lead to success.

Students, aged between 14 and 16, are referred to Skillway according to their needs by Secondary Schools, in small groups of not more than six. Working in a workshop environment, which is so unlike school, increases their sense of responsibility and provides an apprentice-style preparation for further training in essential industries. Students attend during school hours and spend one day a week at the project. The improvement noted by parents and teachers has confirmed that students can respond with enthusiasm in a workshop environment, as well as gaining new skills for life.