GASP is a small Surrey based charity which provides hands-on courses in basic motor mechanics and practical engineering for young people – often those who are disaffected and vulnerable – who live in Surrey and the surrounding area.
Operating from a purpose built motor mechanics workshop in Albury, outside Guildford, or around the county from our Mobile Workshop, GASP delivers an Alternative Learning programme. We teach young people practical skills in a safe and supervised professional environment, helping them to change their behaviours, appreciate the value of teamwork, and prepare for the world of work.
Daytime courses mainly extend across 6 to 12 sessions, and are usually delivered on a weekly basis to coincide with school term times. We also run short courses (generally 2-3 days) during school holiday periods. At present all our work focuses on car mechanics and general maintenance, and on working with small vehicles such as go-karts and quad bikes. All courses offer the participating young people an opportunity to gain an AQA Unit Award accreditation. There are also evening courses, run three nights a week in term time for local students. These act as a diversionary and life-skilling opportunity, mainly for mainstream students, some of whom study for their Duke of Edinburgh Award skills.
