Filling the Skills Gap in the Construction Industry

We’ve provided a Community Grant of £5,000 to SATRO, enabling their highly trained and experienced tutors to give hands on practical construction skills to students attending North East Surrey Short Stay School (NESSSS), a Pupil Referral Unit in Hersham.

SATRO has been working with NESSSS since 2016 and the Mobile Construction Classroom has proved highly popular with students of all abilities but is especially impactful to those whose abilities are often more suited to vocational, rather than academic studies. Central to the programme is the opportunity to give every young person the opportunity to learn about the breadth of the construction industry, the careers it offers and the practical skills that are at its core.

“The change in these young people is profound. Their newly acquired skills and talent for the varied practical projects, particularly in Carpentry and Joinery, is only superseded by their enthusiasm!”

— SATRO's Tutor

Whilst SATRO currently work with over 26 schools including mainstream, alternative provision, pupil referral units and SEN schools, the courses are not funded through statutory sources. They employ qualified teachers, with experience in the industry, who they have chosen to work with the students to inspire the next generation in construction. The tutors adopt teaching styles based on each student’s individual needs. For some students, this will enable them to gain their BTEC Level 1 qualification which will support entry to college or the workplace, for others this may be practical life skills for volunteering or independent living opportunities.

Niki Razey, Leader for Engagement and Pastoral Care at NESSSS, says: “Thank you so much Walton Charity for supporting these students at such a vital time in their lives. The SATRO Construction Programme gives them the skills, confidence and knowledge to apply for jobs and secure college places. Without the course, the outcome for these students could be very different.”