the story

The Douglas Skills Trust – Empowering Lives Through Skills, Support & Opportunity

The Douglas Skills Trust is a community-driven charity committed to transforming lives through education, practical training, and personal development.

We work with individuals from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds, helping them build confidence, gain valuable skills, and create lasting pathways into employment or self-employment, especially within the construction and trade sectors.

Our Mission

Our mission is to break cycles of disadvantage by providing accessible, hands-on training, personal growth opportunities, and holistic mental health support.

By engaging NEETs, young women and those facing barriers to employment, we aim to reduce unemployment, reoffending, and social exclusion, while strengthening communities and promoting long-term wellbeing and inclusion.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As part of our mission, we’ve developed a Transformative Foundation Programme a specialised initiative supporting young women aged 16–25, particularly those who are NEET, to explore professional and trade pathways in construction, architecture, surveying, and construction management.
This programme reflects our commitment to diversity, gender inclusion, and sustainable employment, ensuring that more young women can thrive in the built environment.

Through strong partnerships with colleges, local authorities, and industry leaders, we’re creating opportunities for education, training, and employment that benefit both individuals and the wider community.

At The Douglas Skills Trust, we don’t just teach skills — we help people rebuild their futures.