Our History

“Skillway has left an enduring mark on my child’s life and has put them in a better place for their future.”

Teaching Essential Trade Skills Since 1997

With the demise of technical colleges and foundation subjects giving way to the emphasis on academia and league tables, some school-age teenagers were going to be left behind with little qualifications, practical training, prospect of employment and ultimately hope for their future. Skillway was founded in 1997 by the Warehouse Christian Trust (registered charity) with Crispin Hill as its first director and with a shared vision of providing opportunities to help young people being bypassed by the academic focus of mainstream education.

The original workshops were in Guildford but were moved to the Old Chapels in Godalming in 2002. The move provided a unique opportunity to redevelop a derelict site and to provide the necessary facilities to give young people in the community an opportunity to thrive beyond the classroom. It also provides a peaceful location without distractions for the students to engage with their learning in a calm and nurturing environment.

The aim of Skillway remains unchanged and the ambition and focus of the staff and volunteers continues to burn brightly: to motivate and build confidence in teenagers by teaching them practical craft skills allied to trades and nurture their personal potential, sometimes for the first time. Skillway aims to work in harmony with students’ other learning to give them a feeling of success and an ability to achieve in a low pressure, nurturing environment.

Skillway’s service to young people remains increasingly necessary as we work with each individual to support their development, aspirations and wellbeing. As they become young adults and take their next step, we encourage them to use their new-found skills, confidence and positive outlook to find their way in life