UK Connect Partners with SATRO to Support New Vocational Skills Hub for Young People

UK Connect has donated £10,000 to support the renovation of SATRO’s new Lockwood off-site vocational learning centre in Guildford. The space will provide small-group practical construction training for students who find it harder to thrive in mainstream education settings, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and vulnerable or excluded young people.

The announcement comes amid growing concern over rising youth disengagement. A recent government report warns the UK is “at risk of a lost generation”, with more than one million 16–24-year-olds currently not in employment, education or training (NEET). This figure is projected to exceed 1.25 million within the next five years.

In addition, the government has set a target of building 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament, yet the construction sector lacks the resources required to deliver them. Partnerships such as that between UK Connect and SATRO could form part of the solution to both the NEET crisis and construction skills gap.

SATRO works to raise aspirations and improve employability by connecting young people with employers through STEM programmes, mentoring, and vocational training. Its construction skills programme currently operates across 43 schools in South Central England, supporting around 450 students each year.

Jenny Walker, Chief Marketing Officer at UK Connect, said: “As a business, we’re passionate about investing in young people and the future of the construction industry. Partnering with SATRO is an opportunity for UK Connect to support local young people and help them develop their skills. We understand that traditional education isn’t for everyone and the new Lockwood site will be integral to addressing the needs of those young people who wish to pursue alternative career pathways.”

Andrew Whitby-Collins, Chief Executive at SATRO, said: “We believe that every young person has potential and practical learning experiences help students rediscover their confidence and purpose. We’ve seen the impact that trusted relationships with adult mentors can have on young people, it can be transformative. ”

SATRO encourages young people to develop their passions and explore pathways to a successful career. Alongside its construction skills programme, SATRO offers a range of courses and interacts with more than 12,000 students annually.

Jenny continued: “It’s no secret that there’s a skills shortage in the construction sector. Working in partnership with SATRO our aim is to encourage more young people to follow their passion for construction and having a site like Lockwood where they can hone those skills is so important. By investing in and supporting young people we’re not just futureproofing the construction industry, we’re also providing a skilled, capable workforce.”