SKILLS ABILITY WEYMOUTH

PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SEND

Welcome to Skills Ability Weymouth!

Skills Ability Weymouth (SAW) is a purpose-built centre located in the heart of Weymouth, just opposite the train station in King Street. Opening in September 2026 our aim is to provide a training hub with real life work experience for young people aged over 16 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Only 5.7%of adults with a learning disability known to their local authority in the South West are in paid employment and most young people with SEND are unable to access suitable work experience to gain the necessary employability skills to succeed in work. Our vision is to enable young adults with SEND to develop independence, confidence and meaningful life pathways to employment by raising aspirations and creating opportunities.

Thank you for visiting our website and we hope that you find what you are looking for. If there is anything that would like to ask more about please do not hesitate to contact us using the 'CONTACT' menu button above.

We also welcome visits by appointment and offer regular Open Events throughout the year - please keep an eye on our 'LATEST NEWS' button above for the next date.

We hope to see you soon,

Emma and Ross

Principals

OUR AIMS

To overcome barriers leading to meaningful work experience

To connect local employers with young people with SEND, overcoming misconceptions and barriers to work

To develop opportunities that are local and easily accessible by public transport

To innovate and create a Pathway to Employment for young people with SEND

To help develop in young people the skills and aspiration to achieve their full potential

To be independent and safe whilst maintaining healthy lifestyles

Working in Partnership

To maximise the opportunities for the young people coming to SAW we are working alongside key partners who can offer skills and opportunities that we can not deliver alone. Our main partner for academic and quality oversight is the amazing Westfield Arts College who have experience of delivering outstanding education in Weymouth for 50 years. We also work with Tumbledown Farm to provide Horticulture and Forest School, Muntsy's to provide watersport activities and Dorset County Hospital to provide careers introductions.

A NEW APPROACH

Using actual work to develop key skills in Maths, English and Enterprise to build towards wider work experience and independent living

EMPLOYMENT SKILLS

Learning English and Maths does not have to always been done in a classroom. You will develop these skills whilst working, applying them to the practical tasks in the kitchen, shop, workshop and customer areas.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Working with the public, students and staff will help develop key communication skills and confidence, allowing you to prepare for placements at other employers and eventually applying for jobs.

KEY SKILLS

Students gain experience working in the kitchen, workshop and front of house, with the support of tutors to develop the employability skills needed to succeed.

OUR FACILITIES

Skills Ability Weymouth is housed in a beautiful old building opposite the train station and next to one of the UK’s best beaches. We have a community Café and Shop, a large workshop and professional kitchen, classrooms, gymnasium, plant nursery, student chill out spaces and a fully equipped flat to teach independent living skills. In addition, being next to the beach and partnering with Tumbledown Farm provides amazing access to outside facilities in which to have fun and learn.

We aim to make our services as accessible as possible. However, please be aware that some of our facilities are located on our first and second floors and, because of the nature of the building, not accessible to wheelchair users. However please be assured that the accessible ground floor is where most of the action will take place!