User Groups - testimonials
April 2010
Harvir Grewal, ex-e2e student
The 16 weeks I have attended at pitstop have been enjoyable. I've learned a lot of things since I've been there. The staff at Pitstop have been very helpful. They are also good teachers and since my time at Pitstop I have gained a lot of experience on cars.
April 2010
Mark Fletcher, ex-e2e student
Dear Emma and the team at Pitstop.
It has been 3 years since I left Pitstop. I am now in my third year at Aylesbury College and have been working at Car Specialists for over 3 years. Had I not had the chance to come to Pitstop I may not be where I am now.
I would like to thank everyone at Pitstop for their help and support, and wish Pitstop all the best for the future.
January 2010
Sandra Borszcz, Production Manager, Resource Productions Ltd
Thank you so much for letting me and the group come and visit Pitstop in December, we had a great time! I have to say the group really enjoyed the practical workshop of doing an ''MOT'' check and finding out where each part of the car is, what its function is and how to tell for problems. One of our students, James said he could look at his mum's car and search for problems and the other young people now can't wait to get a car. I think they had a bit too much fun pressing the car lift up and down though! I think the health and safety task was good task and all the young people took it on board working in that environment. All the young people really enjoyed the workshop, and I think everyone's knowledge has improved on car maintenance, so I must say a big thanks to Richard for taking the time out to teach us!
May 2009
Heather Clarke, ex-e2e student
Before I started Pitstop, I tried to get into Bracknell/Wokingham College but I didn’t have any grades because I got into a lot of trouble at school. So I went to Connexions and said I want to do mechanics at college and they referred me to Pitstop. Now that I have finished the course I have discovered that I want a career in welding. I should find it a lot easier to get into college now. So thank you Pitstop.
December 2008
Aaron Delahoye, ex e2e student
My time at Pitstop was fun. I learnt a lot and I have got a lot out of it. Not only have I just done mechanical learning, I have done aikido, gone go-karting, gone bowling etc and I got vouchers as well. I would recommend this course to friends because you learn a lot and you get lots of things out of it.
November 2008
Jaymie McFarlane
Pitstop were kind enough to take me on for Work Experience as I didn't qualify for any of their courses. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience as it was straight to the point and easy to learn. The trainers were very helpful and were able to answer all my questions. It was great all round and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in mechanics. Thanks Pitstop!
August 2008
Thank you! Jack Boyd, ex-e2e student
I enjoy Pitstop because I have learnt a lot and have now got lots of qualifications and skills and I have made new friends and shared my knowledge with others. The staff are great and understanding. The times are flexible and the work is good and I liked the visit to the Honda garage and fire station. Pitstop has helped me a lot and now I am looking for a job and I have a lot to offer on my CV now.
July 2008
George Mashungupa, Connexions
Hi Emma, thank you very much for identifying James' potential and finding him suitable employment. What is particularly good about this case is the fact that you still put him through for employment when you could have kept him on your programme. It reaffirms your integrity and professional values and judgement. Looking forward to our continued joint working.
July 2008
Regards, Marion Royer - Customer
Dear Emma/Lynne and everyone
I just wanted to say a special thank-you to you all for doing such a great job – it feels like a different car and best of all I haven’t broken the bank! It’s lovely to have my radio back as well.
April 2008
Craig Turner, ex-e2e student
My time at Pitstop was really good, they have taught me a lot in the last 16 weeks and I might get a job because of all their help. Pitstop is a really good place to go. Everyone there is really good to get on with and if I could stay I would.
April 2008
Jonathan Shirley, ex-e2e student
I found Pitstop very important to me. It has helped me with my future work plans, I know what to say in interviews and also has built up my confidence. Working in a team is also what I found great in Pitstop, we all got along really well. I would recommend this course to a friend because they will benefit from it greatly.
March 2008
Pitstop has been a great support process for my group over the last two years, I have seen a big improvement with the way they behave at Pitstop and their commitment to their work. It seems that Pitstop has a better control over this group than we have in school.Churchmead has used Pitstop for two year groups, the first year group, the behaviour was to the degree that boys had to be removed. The second group have worked well and not one student has been removed due to their behaviour.
As a school we do not use Pitstop as a means of punishment, stating that if they do not behave they will not go, It is important to ensure that the students completes the course, to improve their confidence and behaviour.
Jo Stickland, Churchmead School
January 2008
Imran Ali, ex-e2e student
Special thanks to Maimie, Mick and Emma. I really appreciate all the help you have all given me.
I had a great time and I’m going to miss you.
December 2007
Best wishes and many thanks, Tim O'Keeffe
Congratulations on the new premises.
I would like to thank you and your staff for the help and support you gave Chris over the past couple of years. When he first started with you, as well as being completely disengaged from school , he was very anxious with extremely poor self-esteem and with your help he has been able to make significant progress.
Chris was very proud to win the Richard Appleton Award for outstanding trainee of 2007, as was I.
I am sure that I will be able to find ways to both support and promote Pitstop in the future.December 2007
Imran Ali, E2E Get Into Gear.
Pitstop is a very enjoyable community. People have always been very helpful and the teachers are excellent.
It has changed my career plan. Initially I wanted to become a builder but I didn't have the qualifications to get onto the next course for that so instead I went to Pitstop which opened my eyes to how enjoyable life is.
It also opened my eyes to the motor industry and hopefully one day I will own my own garage and have an import/export company. Before Pitstop I knew nothing about cars and now I have learnt a lot. My work experience ay a garage gave me another chance to see how the motor vehicle industry really is.
I would really like to thank all the teachers and all the students who have been at Pitstop.
December 2007
Hi sir.
Would I be able to carry on at Pitstop as I am liking what is going on there, or if I could go to skids or something like that. I am really enjoying it at Pitstop but I had my last day there on Wednesday and I want to carry on to do mechanics,, so would it be possible if you could arrange something for me to do with mechanics please.
Many thanks, Cox Green pupil.
October 2007
Dear Emma, Gordon & Graham
Thank you again for taking me out for a farewell lunch and for your kind words.
I will miss you all - you are a wonderful team. I will be hoping Oxfordshire has such dedicated people to support our students & vulnerable young people.
Take care & Best Wishes, love Jan.
July 2007
Jan Paine, Executive Head Teacher - Haybrook College
Congratulations to Pitstop on becoming more sustainable through hard work to meet customer’s needs. Moving into the larger and more appropriate ex Audi premises is a good indicator of the stability of the project and the high standard of things to come. We look forward to continuing to work with you all.
June 2007
Deborah Friston, parent
I would like to thank you for the time that Pitstop have given to Samuel during his work experience. I am sure that the certificates Samuel has received is a confidence booster to him especially as Samuel has learning difficulties. I believe Pitstop should be praised for giving children with learning difficulties a chance of what a working life could be like for them in the future. Well Done.
April 2007
Stan King, Senior Project Worker, Padstones
Many of our residents at Padstones Homeless Project arrive with little or no qualifications and motivation due to the disruption of having no where to live. Pitstop gave our residents confidence and the means to achieve their goal of becoming independent by going on to an apprenticeship or working. We now have a female resident who is working full time servicing motorbikes for Honda. Her dream job!
April 2007
Mark Jenkins - College coordinator, Charters School
I would like to add my thanks to the help and support given to Charters' pupils as part of the IFP. All who took part benefited from the hard work of Emma and her team. Best wishes for the future.
March 2007
Daniel Dinsmore, e2e student
Whilst I was at Pitstop I gained lots of new things and made new friends. I think Pitstop is a great chance of learning new skills and getting self confidence. I would like to say that I enjoyed my time at Pitstop and would like to recommend it to everyone else.
March 2007
Kerry Roche, e2e student
My time at Pitstop was very enjoyable as of meting lots of new people and understanding the basics of car/motor management. The course also gave me interesting facts, like how an engine actually works. I also learned how to fill dents and repair (panel beating). This was all very useful.
March 2007
Mark Fletcher, e2e student
I left school with hardly any grades (no GCSEs). After leaving school I worked as a labourer with one of my dads mates, but I didn’t enjoy the work, after a few months I started looking for an apprenticeship in the motor industry – that is when I found Pitstop. I chose Pitstop because I couldn’t find an apprenticeship – this was the next best thing. Pitstop has helped me in getting a Saturday job in a garage and I had my work based learning at the same garage for over 6 weeks full time. I am hoping that the garage will offer me an apprenticeship at the end of my time with Pitstop.
March 2007
Jan Paine, Executive Head teacher, Haybrook College
Pitstop has provided a significant enrichment to our curriculum offer. We provide education for disaffected and challenging young people many of whom have lost their mainstream school place. Pitstop has given many of them a chance to be successful at something they enjoy doing and have gone on to seek work and further qualifications in the motor trade.
October 2006
Mrs Gillian Prawdzik-Pennells
Charters School students were involved in a two-year programme which was tailor-made for their needs through the negotiations between Pitstop and the School. Fundamentally, they were able to develop skills relating to the motor industry, but in a very short space of time, it was obvious that the course embraced far more than the requirement of gaining useful skills in mechanics. The ‘boys’ started out as rather immature, apprehensive pupils and ended up as ‘young adults’ displaying far more confidence and the ability to complete tasks alongside others in the workplace. They were immensely proud of their achievements and were able to see, on a regular basis, their present attainment and the areas in which they needed to work on to reach the required standard. Regular testing helped them to focus and apply their knowledge to the distinct components of the course. Equally, the awarding of certificates and the associated presentation evenings cemented the students’ realisation of their achievements. It is a pity that Pitstop cannot be moved nearer to Charters School so that this excellent relationship could continue. However, whilst at Pitstop, the students happily made the 28 mile journey, there and back, on a weekly basis, knowing that they would be home much later than usual. They simply knew the benefits of the course. This is a great testimony to Emma and her members of staff who made their time at Pitstop a successful and enjoyable one. Many thanks to all concerned who made this experience a possibility.
Senior Teacher/Head of Learning Support – Charters School
July 2006
Lyn Ayres, Team Leader, Connexions Berkshire
Connexions-Berkshire has been involved with Pitstop since it was set up in 2003. The excellent training in motor mechanics and welding has helped a large number of young people, both in school, and those who are in E2E (Entry 2 Employment), to gain in skills and confidence. Many would have dropped out of education or training without the help and encouragement the staff at Pitstop offer. Our organisations have always worked together to support and move students on to education, employment or training (EET). Richard and now Emma have been invaluable in helping us to track and follow up their students. As a result of this close involvement there will be an additional Connexions Personal Adviser going into Pitstop premises. They will be offering students advice, guidance and support, with the aim to encourage even more students to move on to positive outcomes. We all look forward to working with you in the coming year.
July 2006
PJ Hoare, ex-student
I started at Pitstop when I was in Year 9 at school on the book 1 course. I learnt about basic car maintenance like doing brake pad changes, tyre changes, suspension checks and basic vehicle checks. I covered loads of things in every lesson and the instructors were really helpful. After book 1, I went onto the welding course and made a tool box. I really enjoyed this course because I always wanted to be able to weld. After that I started the Year 2 City & Guilds IFP Course. We covered everything important on motor vehicles and did assessments on every module we completed. I found the course was perfect for me as it helped me get my job as a mechanic for a Fiat dealership. Pitstop is a great place to start for anyone that wants to be a mechanic or just wants to learn a bit about looking after cars. The tools are great for the training and Pitstop has everything else you would find in any other motor repair garage or workshop.
July 2006
Michael Cranham, Vocational Officer - Southfield School
The pupils at Southfield School, Wokingham have used Pitstop since 2004. The training programme offered has enhanced their skills, confidence and also had a positive effect on our students gaining employment after leaving school. We have used Pitstop for level 1 and level 2 motor mechanics and more recently accessed their welding course. We have found the staff and the facilities second to none and have whole heartedly recommended them to other education professionals. Pitstop has greatly enhanced the schools ability to offer a broader and more interesting alternative curriculum to our pupils who have chosen a more vocational route to education. We would welcome other schools contacting us directly if you would like to discuss the value Pitstop has added to Southfield School.
June 2006
Dawn Evans, IFP coordinator, Churchmead C of E School
Churchmead students have been involved in the training/courses facilitated by Pitstop for three years. It is a very popular option especially for those students who find learning so much more valuable in a practical context. As a result, students can see themselves progressing and are proud of their achievements and want to do well. Communication between Pitstop and school has become invaluable in order to make sure the students are progressing and any problems dealt with.
I have always been very impressed with the efficiency that any enquiry has been dealt with. Thank you to all for all your hard work.
June 2006
Graham Cosby - Assistant Head Langleywood School
The pupils of Slough and surrounding areas are fortunate to have access to the facilities and training provided at Pitstop. It is the educational facility, that we, in education had requested for many years. Langleywood School has, since Pitstop opened in 2003, accessed placements for our pupils. Pitstop, as predicted, has proved to be a very successful, oversubscribed and integral part of both our Alternative Education curriculum and Increased Flexibility programme. Pupils who attend Pitstop are inspired by the environment and supportive training, which captures their interest and develops their self esteem, through praise recognition of achievement. Thanks to Emma and her experienced team, pupils receive encouragement, support and guidance. As a result, pupils are given direction, and access additional training opportunities, such as, Work experience placements, College placements, Apprenticeships and Job offers.
Pupils are rightly, so proud of their achievements, and thrive on the formal education and industry accreditation they receive at frequent presentation evenings, which are covered and reported by the press. Emma is dedicated and ensures that Pitstop is efficiently organised, with excellent communication relating to all aspects of the facility, and exercises a high duty of care with regard to to the development of individual pupil trainees.
I would like to thank everyone involved, the trustees, trainers, sponsors, volunteers and of course Emma for the opportunities provided. Well done to everyone involved!
March 2006
David Moher, D P Cleaning Services
D P Cleaning and Pitstop have been working together since the opening of Pitstop in 2003. During which time, we have helped with stock supplies, cleaning, advice and sponsorship of prizes for the termly awards evenings. We also utilise the commercial / maintenance aspect. Pitstop is a fantastic provision and we look forward to continuing our working relationship.
March 2006
David Taylor, Wexham Secondary School
Wexham students have been involved with Pitstop since its inception. It has proved a tremendous success for the students concerned.It has proved a popular,viable and valuable alternative to the normal school curriculum which the students find hard to access.They take great pride in their achievements and puts them on the pathway to a career in the motor trade. I am always impressed with the efficient organisation of the scheme and schools are always kept fully informed of all matters relevant to the course or to individual students. A great success. Well done!
November 2005
Stefan Honigsberg, Connexions Berkshire
Pitstop has helped the Entry to Employment (e2e) Brokerage through its flexible approach. An accredited Brokerage specific course was developed on request and the process to accredit the other courses offered appeared to have been hastened. The manner in which young people (aged 16-18 or up to 24) were referred was changed to cater for e2e needs by enabling ad hoc start times rather than being tied to school terms, and by running courses in conjunction with other partners. The experience gained by young people sent to Pitstop has helped them determine their vocational interests and helped them move onto either further study or employment.
