Shield Programme

Supporting every step towards independence and employment

The Shield Programme is a supportive, structured post-16 pathway designed for individuals with additional needs. Established on 2nd September 2019, we have been committed to empowering young people and adults to develop essential life skills, increase independence, and prepare confidently for employment and community participation.

Our programme offers a multi-layered approach tailored to individual strengths, goals, and aspirations. Through practical workshops, enterprise initiatives, and real-world learning opportunities, participants gain hands-on experience in areas such as woodwork, creative projects, community engagement, and job readiness skills. From crafting quality wooden products to developing teamwork, communication, and workplace expectations, every activity is designed to build confidence, resilience, and transferable skills.

We pride ourselves on creating a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where individuals are supported to progress at their own pace while working towards meaningful outcomes, including supported or full time employment where appropriate.

The Shield Programme works collaboratively with families, local services, and community partners to ensure each learner receives consistent, person centred support that reflects their ambitions and potential.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to CFL for their generous sponsorship of our minibus. This invaluable support enables us to provide transport for learning opportunities, work placements, community projects, and social development activities, further enriching the experience of those we support.

Please scroll down to find out more about us.

Shield Pathways

Our Pathways

The Shield Programme offers two tailored pathways for young adults with additional needs, ensuring each individual can progress in a way that reflects their strengths, interests, and future goals.

Pathway One: Employment Preparation and Support

For those aiming to move into paid employment, we provide structured support to help members transition into the workplace with confidence. Staff work closely alongside individuals to:

• Search and apply for suitable job opportunities

• Complete job application forms

• Develop CVs and prepare for interviews

• Build workplace communication and professional skills

• Provide on the job support as roles and responsibilities are learned

This pathway is designed to gradually build independence while ensuring appropriate support remains in place. Employment focused learning runs alongside other programme activities, allowing members to continue developing life skills, confidence, and social skills throughout their journey.

Pathway Two: Enterprise and Life Skills Development

Our enterprise pathway offers practical, hands on learning experiences that focus on independence, teamwork, and personal development. Members take part in activities such as gardening projects, craft production, and the creation of handmade items for sale within the community.

Through enterprise, participants develop key life and work related skills including time management, responsibility, budgeting, customer interaction, and quality control. Income generated from the sale of enterprise products contributes towards group activities, community outings, and an end of year bonus, rewarding commitment and achievement.

Both pathways are person centred and flexible, ensuring individuals can move between opportunities as their confidence and aspirations grow.

 

 

 

 

 

 The Work Shop

Our Workshop and Creative Enterprise

The Shield Programme workshop is at the heart of our enterprise pathway, providing a safe, structured environment where members develop practical skills, creativity, and confidence through hands on learning.

Within the workshop, members design and create a wide range of handcrafted wooden products from functional furniture such as tables and planters to decorative items including tree ornaments, seasonal crafts, and personalised gifts. Wherever possible, we are committed to sustainability by using recycled and reclaimed timber, including pallet wood and responsibly sourced wood from trees that have naturally fallen. This not only supports environmental awareness but also teaches resourcefulness and sustainable working practices.

Members are supported to safely use specialist tools and equipment, including the wood lathe to turn handcrafted pens and other items, as well as pyrography techniques to add detailed decorative finishes. Through these processes, participants develop fine motor skills, patience, precision, and an understanding of quality craftsmanship.

Beyond the practical skills, the workshop fosters teamwork, problem solving, communication, and pride in achievement. Many of the crafts produced through the Shield Programme showcase exceptional artistic ability and individuality, highlighting the creativity and talent within our members.

Products created within the workshop contribute to our enterprise initiative, with items sold locally to support programme activities, community engagement, and personal reward opportunities. This real world experience strengthens job readiness skills such as time management, meeting deadlines, customer interaction, and understanding the value of work.

The workshop is more than a space to create; it is a place where skills are built, confidence grows, and potential is realised.

 

 

 

 

 

Shield Product Price List.pdf 

Work Experience

Work Experience and Community Partnerships

At the Shield Programme, community engagement is central to what we do. Our members take great pride in contributing positively to the local community and view work experience as an essential part of their personal development, confidence building, and integration into wider society.

Work experience placements provide invaluable real world learning opportunities. They allow members to develop workplace skills, understand employer expectations, build independence, and explore potential career pathways in a supportive and structured way. With appropriate guidance and ongoing support from Shield staff, placements are tailored to ensure they are meaningful, achievable, and beneficial for both the individual and the host employer.

We are always keen to connect with local businesses and organisations who are interested in offering work experience opportunities or exploring inclusive employment pathways. By partnering with the Shield Programme, businesses play avital role in supporting the growth, confidence, and future prospects of young adults with additional needs within our community.

If you would like to find out more or discuss potential opportunities, please contact:

Madeleine Welch - SEN Teacher
Email: mwelch@college.ac.fk
Telephone: 54650 or 27133

Chanelle Crossley – Senior Support Worker
Email: cberntsen@college.ac.fk 

We look forward to building strong community partnerships that support inclusion, opportunity, and positive outcomes for all.

Life skills

Developing Essential Life Skills

A core focus of the Shield Programme is the development of practical life skills that support our members as they transition from school into adulthood. We recognise that independence is built through meaningful everyday experiences, and our approach ensures members gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical ability required for adult life.

You may see our members out in the community shopping, visiting local cafés, or accessing services independently. These are carefully structured learning opportunities that help individuals build skills in budgeting, communication, decision making, and appropriate social interaction. Community based learning also includes road safety awareness, helping members understand how to navigate public spaces safely and confidently.

Within the College environment, members continue to develop essential functional skills such as reading, writing, and numeracy. Alongside this, there is a strong focus on independent living skills, including:

• Cooking and meal preparation

• Kitchen safety and food hygiene

• Personal hygiene and self-care

• Laundry and household cleaning

• Using appliances such as washing machines safely

• Managing routines and responsibilities within the home

We also support members to develop positive social skills, including teamwork, respectful communication, emotional regulation, and building healthy relationships. In today’s digital world, internet safety and responsible online behaviour form an important part of our programme, ensuring members understand how to protect themselves and use technology appropriately.

By combining classroom learning, practical activities, and real-world experiences, the Shield Programme provides a well rounded, person centred approach that equips members with the tools they need to live as independently, safely, and confidently as possible.