Geoff Sherley, MCI's Chief Executive, has been honoured by the Queen for
his work on a ground-breaking project helping young people in High
Wycombe. Geoff will be attending Buckingham Palace on 14th November to
receive his award.
Geoff was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for his
work in setting up the Skidz motor project. Geoff, is a trustee of the
project which helps young people learn about motor mechanics and safer
driving. Geoff was nominated by some of his colleagues at Skidz where he
looks after their finances.
Since Skidz opened in 1998, thousands of people have passed through its
doors and learned valuable skills that they can use in later life. Many
people have gone on to work as mechanics after learning about the
industry at Skidz, including one person who was rewarded with a rare
apprenticeship to work for car giant Porsche.
During term-time Skidz hold courses throughout the day and also several
evenings a week. In the school holidays the workshop stays open to give
young people something to do during their time off. Last summer 100
young people built a beach buggy from the shell of a Volkswagen beetle.
It was raffled earlier this year. They are hoping to do a similar
project again this year.
Following on from the success of the High Wycombe Skidz project, other
centres have opened in Aylesbury and Banbury. A new centre in Reading is
due to open in time for the summer holidays.
Geoff Sherley said, "This award came as a complete surprise and I am
obviously delighted to achieve such recognition for my work with young
people. I am a firm believer in youth education and in my work with the
MCI I have been able to support a range of initiatives and projects such
as the production of the education pack, LINKS - connecting Citizenship
and User-Education and the DVD, 'Act Your Age'."
