Derwen Enterprises

Derwen Enterprises are available to people with learning difficulties and disabilities who have completed a course of further education. The unit offers a period of extended work experience, within a commercial environment, to develop the skills to help trainees achieve independence and possibly secure open employment. Trainees are funded by their local Social Services.

All trainees initially live in flats or bungalows on campus where they are provided with a variable degree of care and daily living support, according to need, whilst increasing their level of personal independence. The next stage is a move into accommodation off campus to live more independently.

Derwen Enterprises' workshops, the Garden Centre, the Ceramics Department and Betty's Coffee Shop provide work experience, and all trainees work flexi-hours under the supervision of instructors. Contact with the public in the departments in which the trainees are working is strongly encouraged. The Enterprises are open daily for most of the year. All trainees work a 35-hour week with six weeks holiday per year. Work experience outside the College is arranged, once the trainee has reached the necessary standard.

Each trainee has an individual programme that is reviewed annually through a discussion group of the trainee, tutor, a senior member of the care staff, and the Enterprises Administrator. Social Services and parents are also invited. Aims and objectives for the next period of training are discussed, agreed and noted for future comparisons. Goals are set which every trainee is strongly encouraged to meet and progress is expected.


The first few months are a period of assessment during which trainees are able to experience different departments and establish the existing functioning level. After this period the first review is held at which the Individual Programme is developed.

The ultimate aim is that all trainees progress from Enterprises to independent living within the wider community, capable of reaching the standards demanded by sheltered or supported placement schemes.