Somerset Rural Youth Project – Elmwood School

From September 2016 students from Elmwood School have been involved in work based learning at Somerset Rural Youth Project. The students work with their mentor Richard Hedger twice a week to learn valuable experience outside of the classroom environment.

Students spent time at the projects garage workshop working together on a number of different vehicles and machinery including dirt bikes, buses, quad bikes, cars, lawn mowers and strimmer’s. Learning many skills including changing a car battery, jumpstarting a car, fixing headlights, servicing lawn mowers and stripping it for parts.

Through this work and with Rich’s guidance the students have developed not only their skills in the garage but enhanced their social skills growing in confidence, building independence and understanding future progression routes. Mentor Rich says “it has been fantastic to see how much the students have developed since September. At the beginning the students struggled to stay on task, unable to follow instructions. They have grown into confident capable young men able to work for long periods of time whilst gaining confidence in their own ability”

The students have thoroughly enjoyed their time at Somerset Rural Youth Project. The work with the project has been invaluable to our student’s development in and out of the classroom. Through maintenance and servicing a number of different vehicles the students have not only learnt new skills but have also learnt about using different tools and equipment correctly and the importance of safety in the workplace.

The workshop has also been key in helping our students understand career options. Year 11 student Cameron who has been accepted at Bridgwater and Taunton College on a Level 1 Automotive course said “ I really look forward to the workshop, I like learning how to service a car. It has shown me that I would like to own my own garage in the future”

Year 9 student Bradley said “I enjoy coming to the garage and working on the engines. I would like to do more of this when I leave school and I am looking forward to going to College to learn more”

The students enjoy the teamwork and social side to working in the garage. Year 10 student Ethan said “I look forward to the workshop; my favourite projects have been servicing the mopeds and using tools such as the Jack and Mig Welder. I also like being able to play pool with my friends at lunch break.

The link with Somerset Rural Youth Project has been fantastic and we very much thank Rich and the team for welcoming our students and giving them a varied and worthwhile opportunity.