A VITAL support service aimed at equipping disengaged students with practical skills was treated to a visit from the Duke of Kent last week as part of its 21st anniversary celebrations.

Godalming-based Skillway, which was founded in 1997, provides training opportunities for pupils at schools across Waverley borough and beyond.

The special education facility is financially supported by charitable organisations with the aim of motivating teenagers by teaching them workshop skills. The beneficiaries are students who have become disengaged and often disruptive but enjoy learning practical skills that may not be on offer in school curriculums.

Home-tutored students not being educated in school are also welcomed.

Skillway celebrated its coming of age with a royal visit on November 13. The Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, introduced the Duke to dignitaries attending the occasion.

Special guests included Surrey police and crime commissioner David Munro, Waverley deputy mayor Mary Foryszewski, and Godalming mayor Nick Williams.

Staff, tutors, volunteers and pupils had the opportunity to share with the Duke some of the skills, training and support the charity provides.

On his tour of The Old Chapels workshops, specialist tutors provided demonstrations of the practical skills that are taught to students.

Workshop manager Greg Bleach said: “We were naturally delighted the Duke of Kent could join us on this very special day, and it was wonderful to see tutors and students having the chance to explain exactly how Skillway has helped provide an opportunity to gain practical skills that can be used to help find employment later.

“We also help build their confidence, which will benefit them in the future.”

Specialist skills taught at Skillway, include carpentry and joinery, metalworking and basic engineering, and stonework.

The Duke was also given a tour of the creative arts studio.

Catherine Bullock, volunteer art tutor, added: “We work in small groups of up to six students in the art studio, which means we can give them our full attention.

“Students have always been encouraged to be creative and to use their imagination. Often they are surprised by their own achievements, which improves their self-esteem.”

The Duke spent time with the volunteers in the metal and wood workshops, where he was able to see for himself the wide range of finished projects, including stools, occasional tables, felt-lined storage boxes and candlesticks turned on the lathe.

Part-time tutor Richard Jeffery said: “The practical skills taught by very experienced specialist tutors, all of whom volunteer their time, are absolutely invaluable. They learn, for example, how an engine works. Knowing how to dismantle and rebuild it provides a good starting point for them to win an apprenticeship and to secure jobs later on. It’s the same with our carpentry training, and for those learning basic stoneworking and conservation skills, too.”

After touring the workshops, Skillway’s royal guest unveiled a plaque and cut a celebratory cake made by one of the volunteers, and was presented with a small gift of an intricately-made cube within a cube by student Corbyn Smallwood.

Skillway students are treated as young adults and learn manual skills allied to trades. Normally, they go for one day a week, with most attending for at least one academic year. Some continue to a second year, when they will be encouraged to gain its in-house certification, as well as AQA Unit Award Scheme certifications and a module from the BTEC curriculum.

The practical projects they complete are the best demonstration of what they have learned. They also take completed projects home, so these can be used as reference material when applying for jobs, or for further training.