Christmas Closures

Skills Group will be closed over the Christmas holiday period from 5pm on Wednesday 22nd December 2021 and will reopen at 8:30am on Tuesday 4th January 2022.

All of our learners will return to their normal training sessions from Monday 10 January.

If you would like to report any concerns during the festive break, please do not hesitate to contact the following:

  • Safeguarding concerns can be reported to Annette Davey (Designated Safeguarding Lead Officer) either by email adavey@skillsgroupuk.com or by telephone 07872 409897.
  • Health and Safety concerns can be reported to Donna Martin (Health and Safety Coordinator) by email dmartin@skillsgroupuk.com or please call Steve Jeffery (Senior Manager) by telephone 07528 968418.
  • Positive COVID test results or any other urgent matters should be reported to Sharon Chaffe by email schaffe@skillsgroupuk.com or by telephone 07872 409888.

We would like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas break, and look forward to working with you in the New Year.

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School