The benefits of the Skilltrain experience are wide ranging:

Addressing deep social exclusion:  Skilltrain primarily works with deeply excluded young people and gives them the opportunity to re-engage with the system by learning new skills in ways that are sensitive to their needs.

Prevention:  Recent Home Office research shows that 80% of all those serving time in prison fall well below the minimum educational standard.  It has been proven that if we can improve a young person’s education in a meaningful way, there is less chance that they will offend. 

Community spirit: Skilltrain’s interventions lead to a better engaged society in South London as each child is encouraged to turn their backs on negative influences, fulfil their true potential and play a valuable role in the local community.

Access to education and employment:  85% of the young people who complete a Skilltrain course return to mainstream education, enter further training or get a foot on the employment ladder.  They have learned to combat their deep social exclusion by acquiring life and social skills.  This means that they are able to participate effectively in school and work life. 

More effective schools:  Skilltrain projects contribute to the reduction of the number of days lost in truancy and disruptive behaviour in general in local schools.  This provides a better working environment for teaching staff and, ultimately, better academic results. 

Safer neighbourhoods:  If we can get more young people back into school, there is less chance of young people partaking in irresponsible gang culture, shoplifting and other forms of anti social behaviour.