As we start the new year we wanted to take a look back our our Skills Bridge students programme and achievements from 2025.
Last term, Skills Bridge students had the chance to take part in a range of exciting trips and activities that have helped the students build confidence, develop independence, and acquire new skills. One of our highlights was visiting the M&S archive in Leeds, were we discovered how the brand has grown and changed over the years. We learned about the history of retail, how products are made and developed, and the importance of teamwork and customer service skills that connect directly to our own learning in employability.
Students were also able to cover topics here such as life skills, cooking, and preparing for an interview with practice mock interviews. This allowed our Supported Internship learners to practice their communication skills, body language, and confidence in this valuable experience.
As part of our PSHE and British Values work, we visited the Leeds Civic Hall and met with the Lord Mayor of Leeds. This gave us a deeper understanding of democracy, community leadership, and the important role local government plays in shaping their city.
Overall, these trips this term have helped us learn in fun and meaningful ways, connecting the classroom topics to the wider world
and building confidence and independence along the way!
We also wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate all of our students' outstanding achievements this year. Over the past year, the
students have continued to show increased confidence and independence with us, as well as continued progress towards each of their outcomes.
We are incredibly grateful to The Old Swan Hotel, Susie June's Café, Harrogate Hospital, Fair Trade Shop, Carol’s Bonnie Dogs, Starling Café, St. Peter’s Primary School, and Yorkshire Cancer Research charity shop for your continued support in providing our learners with valuable work experience. Their partnership with us has allowed us to give our learners real work experience.
Our chocolate factory has had a busy term. We won the Silver Free From Awards for our oat milk chocolate. We are also looking into creating a new milk chocolate bar in the new year. This term we have worked with our enterprise group to make Christmas lollipops for the Christmas market we attended through the charity stall set up by HADCA. Some students have also successfully managed to achieve their Level 1 food hygiene qualifications. Additionally, we are starting to develop a new website to increase sales, so please keep an eye out!
In our café this term, alongside our usual welcoming space, we now have a small shop available, offering a range of different items
including popcorn, biscuits, cheese, crisps, and more. We are also pleased to say our café is now being supported with delicious cakes from both the day centre and the local Two's Company bakery. In addition, we have introduced a new menu bringing fresh options. Most importantly, our learners have continued to thrive in the café environment. They have been developing and
building valuable skills, particularly in customer service, teamwork, and confidence!
We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and we can't wait to see what 2026 holds instore for us all!
