Welcome to Skillway

Skillway is kindly supported by
Guildford and District Construction Industry Training Group

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 us according to their needs by Secondary Schools, in small groups of not more than six.  They enjoy a workshop environment which is so unlike school that the experience 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 with us.  The schools give us their support and work closely with us in assessing the students' requirements.  The improvement noted by parents and teachers has confirmed our belief that students can respond with enthusiasm in a workshop environment. 

Skillway has the support of its eight feeder schools and referral centres and it has received national praise and attention from the press and government for the important work it carries out with young people seeking to find their place in an increasingly complex and unforgiving world.

The Project began in 1997 and provides 100% manual skills taught by skilled craftsmen.