At Camphill Village Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow and take steps towards a life of opportunity. That’s exactly what Severnside Skills is here to support.
Severnside Skills teaches vocational skills and provides employment pathways for people aged 16 and over with special educational needs (SEN). It’s designed to build confidence, promote independence, and develop the practical skills needed to move towards employment or further training.
It’s been reported that only 6.6% of people with learning disabilities are in some form of employment (Foundations for people with learning disabilities). We want to change this.
A unique setting within a working community
Severnside Skills is part of Camphill Village Trust and is based at Taurus Crafts, our vibrant visitor centre and social enterprise near Lydney in Gloucestershire.
At this hub, our trainees are surrounded by real-world work environments. They can gain practical experience in our café, independent shops, gardens, or at community events – all within a safe and supportive setting.
A unique feature of Severnside Skills is that we offer qualifications and work experience in the same place, creating a seamless pathway from learning to doing.
Personalised learning with real-world outcomes
We provide flexible, tailored learning opportunities for people with a range of support needs. All our qualifications are AQA certified and focused on real-life, work-based skills.
We offer annual programmes which run across the academic year in:
- Catering
- Retail and Hospitality
- Foundation Year (a mix of Catering, Events, Retail and Hospitality)
And we run short, six-week courses in areas such as:
- Field to fork
- Introduction to catering
- Barista skills
- Grounds maintenance
- Events stewarding
- Customer service
- Palletwood upcycling
- Office administration skills
- Gardening
These courses are designed to suit individual goals and interests, whether someone has clear goals in mind or looking to explore something new.
A steppingstone to employment and beyond
Our team is here to support every learner to progress in a way that works for them and to achieve their individual goals – whether that means preparing for paid work, increasing independence, or becoming more involved in their community.
Severnside Skills is more than just training. It’s about feeling included, growing in confidence, and being part of a place where everyone’s contribution is valued.
Want to find out more?
Severnside Skills is part of Camphill Village Trust’s wider work to provide inclusive opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism to live a full and meaningful life of opportunity.
Located at Taurus Crafts in Gloucestershire, it offers something truly unique: the chance to learn, train and work in one supportive and inclusive space.
Visit our webpage to find out more.
