Guildford Philanthropy’s Chair Nikki Ackerley was delighted to see the SATRO team in action last week when she dropped into an end-of-term workshop taking place at Christ’s College in Bellfields.
Four pupils were attending one of their Construction Skills workshops which teaches real-life lessons – last week on tiling and carpentry. The SATRO van arrives weekly at the College for a two-hour class – part funded by a grant made by Guildford Philanthropy – and teaches a range of practical skills including electrics and plumbing. The 14-16 year olds can expect to leave with a BTec Level 1 in Construction Skills which, should they decide to pursue one of the trades as a career, can help in gaining them an apprenticeship or embarking on the next level of study, such as an NVQ or City & Guilds qualification.
“Traditional education doesn’t suit everyone,” said SATRO’s Chief Executive Andrew Whitby-Collins. “Courses like ours provide an insight into other career possibilities, develop valuable skills and crucially, help keep students in school and engaged.”
As it was the end of the school year, Nikki had the privilege of handing out the pupils’ much-deserved certificates.
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Photo: Nikki with the pupils of SATRO’s Construction Skills Workshop with their Tutor Pete Trott and SATRO Trustees Garry Bhela and Antonio Valjean from Christ’s College
