Starbeck, Harrogate

Vocational and life-skills training for young people in Harrogate

A two-year programme in Starbeck, with an optional third year. Qualifications, bike and motorbike maintenance, work placements and help to move on.

Call 01423 886355 Email us

I am a: Young person Parent or carer Referrer

A red motorbike on the workshop floor at Veloheads, with bikes and tools on the bright yellow walls behind it

Registered CICCompany no. 07944954, since November 2018
Two years, plus a thirdAn optional third year if needed
Weekly and half-termlyProgress meetings and reviews
Near Starbeck stationRegular buses on the High Street

What we do

A two-year programme in Starbeck, built around each young person

Veloheads helps young people build skills for life and for work. We put our trainees at the very centre of everything we do.

Every programme is tailored to the individual: their needs, their aspirations and their interests. It runs for two years, with an optional third year if it is needed. Along the way there is a range of awards and accredited courses to help you move on to the next stage of your life.

Vocational skills

Practical, hands-on skills, from bike and motorbike maintenance to catering, horticulture and construction.

Independent living

Life and independence skills, and personal finance, to help you run your own day with confidence.

Key skills

Functional skills (English, Maths, IT), so you are ready for whatever comes next.

Personal and social skills

Working as part of a team where trainees, staff and volunteers are equal members.

Hands on

Bike and motorbike maintenance

Veloheads grew out of a bike workshop, and bikes are still at the heart of what trainees learn. Maintenance is taught as part of the programme, with accredited qualifications to show for it.

These courses are part of the trainee programme rather than open public classes. If you want to ask about anything else, call or email the office.

Bike maintenanceAn accredited course within the programme, taught hands on in the workshop.

CyclingCycling is one of the courses trainees can work towards.

Motorbike maintenanceMotor vehicle maintenance (motorbikes) is an accredited qualification too.

Skills for life and work

Accredited courses and qualifications

You will not just learn one trade. The programme covers a wide range of awards and accredited courses, and we choose the right mix with you.

Core skills

Functional skills (English, Maths, IT)
Employability
Enterprise

Bikes and motors

Bike maintenance
Cycling
Motor vehicle maintenance (motorbikes)

Life skills

Life and independence skills
Personal finance
Health and safety
First aid

Work and creative

Catering and food hygiene
Horticulture
Construction
Retail
Creative design
Upcycling

Real experience

Work placements, and support to move on

Veloheads will work with you to find a work experience placement that forms part of your study programme. Once you have a placement, our staff support you as required.

On a placement you can:

Get real experience of the world of work
Gain skills to help you in the workplace
Meet employees
Develop your independence
Gain confidence

After the programme

As part of your study programme, we support you when you leave. Options may include:

Full or part-time employment
Supported employment
Internships
Further training
Volunteering opportunities

How it works

How your programme is tailored and reviewed

Nobody gets a one-size-fits-all timetable. Here is how it works from the start.

Talk it throughWhen you start, we discuss what you want to achieve during your time at Veloheads.
Set your targetsTogether we set targets that help you succeed, shaped around your needs, aspirations and interests.
Check in every weekProgress is monitored through weekly meetings, and a longer review every half term.
Plan your move onOver two years, with a third if required, we support you towards your next step.

Our values and team

One team, with values we all follow

Trainees, staff and volunteers are all equal members of the Veloheads team. It is important that everyone feels happy and safe, so everyone on the programme follows the same core values and treats each other equally and respectfully.

Honesty

We are honest with ourselves, with each other and with everyone we work with. We do not hide our mistakes. We share them and learn from them as a team.

Commitment

What we do is not a job, it is a vocation, and people's futures rely on our efforts. We strive to do all we can to support people in our team.

Growth

Every person has something to offer. We work together to find our strengths and the areas where we need support, and we help each other achieve.

Respect

We are a team of individuals with different backgrounds, views and attitudes, and those differences make us strong. We treat others as we would wish to be treated.

Trust

Our work is not easy and sometimes means making difficult decisions. We are confident because we all work according to our core values, so we trust each other.

Looking ahead

We conduct today's business so that tomorrow we are stronger. We use our resources responsibly and invest in our people so they can meet future challenges.

The Veloheads team

Linda NelsonDirector / Head of Centre
Lily NelsonTeacher
Ben HowardTeacher
Jayne FryerTeacher

Our story

From a bike workshop in Starbeck's old laundry

Veloheads started as a bike servicing and repair workshop in the old laundry in Starbeck. Over time it grew into something bigger: a place where young people learn skills they can take into work and everyday life.

Today it is a Community Interest Company, and it still works from the same community in Starbeck.

2012Veloheads Limited is incorporated, on 10 February.
2014The bike servicing and repair workshop opens in Starbeck's old laundry.
2018Registered as a Community Interest Company on 15 November.
TodayA two-year vocational and life-skills programme for young people.

Who is it for?

Get in touch to talk it through

Whether you are thinking about joining, supporting someone who is, or working with a young person, the first step is the same: a conversation.

For young people

A programme built around what you want to do, with qualifications, work experience and real support. Call us or send an email and ask what it would look like for you.

For parents and carers

Progress is checked in weekly meetings and half-termly reviews, and staff support each trainee through placements and the move on afterwards.

For referrers

If you work with a young person who might benefit, call or email the office and we can talk through the programme and what it covers.

Call 01423 886355 Mobile 07843 180577 Email to ask for a call back

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Veloheads programme?

The programme lasts two years, with an optional third year if required.

What qualifications can young people work towards?

Courses include functional skills (English, Maths, IT), bike maintenance, cycling, motor vehicle maintenance (motorbikes), catering and food hygiene, health and safety, first aid, creative design, upcycling, retail, horticulture, construction, enterprise, employability, life and independence skills, and personal finance.

How is progress checked?

When you start, you discuss what you want to achieve and set targets. Progress is then monitored through weekly meetings and half-termly progress review meetings.

Do you help with work experience?

Yes. We work with you to find a work experience placement that forms part of your study programme, and staff support you through it as needed.

What happens after the programme?

We support you as you leave. Options may include full or part-time employment, supported employment, internships, further training and volunteering.

Where is Veloheads and how do I get there?

We are at Unit 5b, Provincial Works, The Avenue, Harrogate HG1 4QE, in Starbeck. Starbeck train station is close by and buses stop regularly on the High Street.

How do I get in touch?

Call 01423 886355 or 07843 180577, or email office@veloheads.co.uk.

Visit us

Find us in Starbeck, Harrogate

Veloheads
Unit 5b, Provincial Works
The Avenue
Harrogate HG1 4QE

Phone: 01423 886355 or 07843 180577
Email: office@veloheads.co.uk
Before you visit: Please call or email first so we can arrange a time to talk.

Get directions

Easy to reach by public transport

By train
Starbeck train station is close to the project.

By bus
Buses stop regularly on Starbeck High Street.

We work with young people from Harrogate and Starbeck.