Students from our Alternative Learning Hub recently gained hands-on experience in motor vehicle mechanics during a visit to the Motor Vehicle Mechanics Department at Bath College.

The visit was organised by Functional Skills Tutor Annie, who contacted Course Leader Steve Cottle to arrange a taster session for students interested in exploring mechanics as a potential next step.

With two students particularly keen to pursue the subject further, the session provided a valuable opportunity to experience a real college environment and learn directly from industry professionals.

During the visit, students were introduced to the tools used by mechanics and took part in a practical session, where they learned how to safely remove and refit a tyre, as well as take one apart to understand how it works. The group were fully engaged throughout and clearly enjoyed the experience - describing Steve as “sound!”, high praise from the students.

In Bath & North East Somerset, nearly 1 in 5 students are persistently absent from school. In contrast, students attending our Alternative Learning Hub achieve an average attendance of 80% - and that figure continues to rise.

This is no coincidence.

Our Alternative Learning Hub is home to Boost, Bath Rugby Foundation’s early intervention programme supporting 14-16-year-olds who are disengaged from mainstream education or at risk of exclusion.

Boost provides a safe, structured and supportive environment where young people can rebuild confidence, develop essential life skills, and achieve Functional Skills qualifications in Maths, English and Digital Skills. Alongside this, students take part in meaningful, real-world experiences - like this visit to Bath College - that connect learning to future aspirations.

By combining education with opportunity, we help young people re-engage with learning and start to believe in their future again.

Experiences like this are a vital part of the Boost programme, giving students the chance to explore further education, employment, or training in areas they are genuinely interested in.

The impact of this visit is already clear. One student is set to enrol on the motor vehicle mechanics course at Bath College in September, while another is currently applying.

The partnership is also continuing to grow, with plans for students to return to explore the Construction Department in the near future - opening up even more pathways.

At Bath Rugby Foundation, we believe every young person deserves a fair start. By providing opportunities, building confidence, and developing life skills, we are helping our students take meaningful steps towards independent, positive futures.

If you can offer and work based opportunities for our young people, please contact: [email protected]