A new initiative in Bridgwater offers young people practical mechanical skills through real-world experience in a workshop setting
Bridgwater: The Workshop Project CIC, led by Richard Hedger and Mel Matthews, opened its doors in late 2024. It’s a cool spot for motorcycle and vehicle repairs, but it’s also about teaching young folks some hands-on skills.
The idea is to give young people a taste of real work in a busy workshop. They get to diagnose and fix actual vehicles and motorcycles, learning everything from sourcing parts to handling invoices. It’s a full-circle experience!
Mel shared that this project came about because of the changing needs in alternative education. There just aren’t many places where young people can pick up mechanical skills, and Richard saw that gap and jumped in to help.
Richard, a qualified youth worker with a love for all things mechanical, has been in the youth sector for over a decade. He’s passionate about giving kids a chance to learn and grow.
They’re also looking to provide alternative education for schools and are currently raising funds to offer open-access sessions. This means young people who aren’t in traditional education or are homeschooled can still join in.
The charity is working hard to raise money for these sessions, making sure everyone has a shot at learning. If you want to help out, check out their fundraising page.
As they grow, the Workshop Project plans to expand its offerings to include arts, crafts, cooking, gardening, and even digital tech workshops. It’s all about giving young people a variety of skills!
Alongside the educational side, Richard runs a full-service motorcycle and vehicle repair business, handling everything from tire changes to diagnostics. It’s a busy place!
For more info, you can visit their website or shoot Mel an email. They’re eager to connect with anyone interested in their mission.
