Skidz golden prize night

19 October 2012  

A CHARITY that helps disadvantaged youngsters train to become motor vehicle technicians held its annual awards evening on Thursday 18th October.

Among the VIP guests at the Skidz event was Formula 1 Mercedes AMG Team Principle , Ross Brawn, who handed out certificates on the night.  Ross became a patron of SKIDZ and a passionate supporter of providing opportunities for young people to learn practical motor mechanic skills having begun his Formula One career as a machinist in 1976.

Brawn was joined by fellow patron and rally legend, Paddy Hopkirk. The Mayor of Wycombe and the Chairman of Wycombe Council turned up to lend their support.

Over 200 youngsters attend Skidz every year to learn practical skills in motor mechanics and the allied disciplines.  The young people who attend, come from all over Buckinghamshire – many are disadvantaged owing to a range of personal circumstances, which see them struggling in mainstream education.

Enrolling on one or two year courses the youngsters work in a real-life garage, learning the basics of car maintenance through the specially designed hands-on courses.  The experience seeks to build confidence and provide new skills which will help broaden their future prospects when they leave school and beyond.

Skidz Chair David Lister said: “We are extremely proud of all of our students.  It is very rewarding to see how much they have achieved from their time here and how many have already gone on to gain employment or an apprenticeship.  We wish them all the very best for the future.”

Recent leavers surveys indicate that over 90% of young people who attended a course at the centre have gone on to employment, education or training.