Fix It UK Ltd

I joined Lisa Nandy MP today at a ground breaking vocational training scheme operating in Wigan.

Fix It UK Ltd is a Charitable Trust operating from Spring View. Now in its 10th year, it has developed a holistic and practical approach to learning, by offering a specialist training facility in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles.

During this period, over 1000 young people have been through its doors and have been helped into employment or further training.

We called in at the invitation of the Chair, Cllr Keith Cunliffe to see for ourselves the work being undertaken at the Rosebridge Industrial Estate site; to talk to some of the young people about their progress and also pick up tips on the importance of car maintenance, particularly during the cold winter weather snap!

We were given a tour of the facility by Fix It UK Ltd’s, Ian Tomlinson and Chair, Cllr Keith Cunliffe.

Fix It recognise that all young people have skills and qualities and that not all wish to pursue an academic route. The courses provided are designed to enable students to learn in a safe and secure environment, in small class sizes, thereby providing a high quality learning experience.

Fix-it  works closely with 14-19 year olds to deliver vocational motor vehicle studies. All programmes are designed for students who may have faced difficulties in traditional pathways to work such as;

• Have shown a negative behaviour pattern such as poor attainment, attendance and/or behaviour.
• Have a flair for vocational or practical subjects.
• Are academically gifted but have become de-motivated.
• Require positive role models.
• Have difficulty mixing or working with others.
• Respond to a less formal approach to teaching
• Looked after children
• Have been identified as having learning needs (including emotional and behavioural difficulties)

Fix It UK Ltd are also celebrating and putting to good use the proceeds of a £84,000 grant from the BBC Children In Need Appeal. At a time of uncertainty for many charities as a result of the economic downturn the grant secures the future of the charity for the next 3 years.

This is fantastic project working with our young people. It is vital that we continue to support the opportunities provided by Fix It Uk Ltd and the grant from Children in Need secures the immediate future and will help yet more youngsters to develop their skills and receive quality vocational training.

Equipping youngsters with practical skills and knowledge is not just an investment for today but provides a pathway into work and the benefits that this brings to individuals and wider society in the future.