About Open Road Norfolk

Established in 2009 in response to a lack of alternative training facilities for disadvantaged, vulnerable and excluded young people, we offer a specialist workshop and training facility that provides a safe and secure environment in which to learn practical vocational skills. Our students leave us qualified and ready to go on to further education, apprenticeships or work, with real life prospects and ambition.

What We Do

Open Road offers specialised training focused on motor vehicle maintenance and construction skills, to students who need an alternative to a traditional education setting.

Our state of the art facility comprises a large dedicated garage, both indoor and outdoor construction areas and a variety of breakout spaces and classrooms. Our team utilise these spaces to deliver professional training and education to our students who are working toward vocational qualifications.

With low student to instructor ratios, we deliver a combination of classroom tuition and hands on education. The students who join us gain the skills and experience that can put them on the path to a different future.

We have found that not only do our students engage quickly with the programme, they start to profoundly value self development and personal achievement. Consequently, our students rapidly develop their interpersonal skills, applying their new knowledge in a group setting to solve mechanical problems or build something from scratch.

Mechanics repairing car underside in garage.

Why We Do It

At Open Road, we are committed to helping young people overcome obstacles that prevent them accessing education, whatever the reason.

What we do makes a difference. We guide our students to help them achieve qualifications and foster an environment which allows for personal growth and self-esteem.

The young people who attend Open Road learn skills in a hands on environment working with other students. With continued support from our dedicated instructors, Open Road is a safe space for young people to develop personal and social skills whilst striving toward a vocational qualification. We help our students make positive choices and build their own path to a different future.

“T and I want to sincerely thank you and the team for your immense support since joining your team. The understanding and kindness of the team have made us both feel welcomed and valued. T feels respected, understood, and is learning so much. Being allowed to work by himself and as a team has boosted his confidence. We are excited for the challenges ahead and grateful to be part of such a wonderful team. Your support has made a significant impact on us, and we are ready for the journey ahead.”

 – Parent Testimonial

Instructor teaches road safety to engaged students.

Meet the Team

Our dedicated team comprises experienced educators, vocational trainers, wellbeing specialists, and community engagement leaders. Each member is committed to providing exceptional support, guidance, and encouragement to every student, ensuring personalised care and meaningful outcomes.

Smiling man in jacket with yellow gradient background.

Martin Slater

Managing Director

Recognising the quality of life West Norfolk has to offer the people who live and work here, I have always been keen to return to where I grew up. This role has given me the chance to give back.

Robin Hansell

Training Manager

Open Road works because we treat each young person as an individual. We work with them to achieve their own goals by helping them develop valuable skills.
Smiling man in black sweater, yellow background.
Smiling woman in jacket with yellow background.

Sonia Coles

Construction Curriculum Lead

At Open Road everyone is equal. We give people second chances and opportunities but most importantly we help them to believe in themselves. At Open Road a student’s future is not determined by their past.

Byron Houston

Mechanic Workshop Assistant

Having volunteered at Open Road for a year I was thrilled to be offered a position on the team full time. I am proud to be here, we make a real difference.
Man in black gilet smiling against yellow background.
Smiling person in black jumper against yellow background.

Aidan Ward

Construction Assistant

It’s fulfilling to pass on my construction knowledge. Open Road helps students to think about what is possible for the future.

Amanda Bowie

Business Manager

I feel proud to be a part of an outstanding team, who goes the extra mile to create a welcoming environment to learning.
Smiling person in white jacket, yellow background

Trustees

Our trustees bring diverse expertise and a shared passion for empowering youth. They oversee strategic direction, governance, and sustainability to ensure Open Road Norfolk continues delivering outstanding educational support.

Smiling man in suit, yellow background.

Clive Dodds

Trustee

Clive Dodds is retired Managing Partner and Chairman of Directors at accountants Stephenson Smart in King’s Lynn. Born and raised...

Smiling man in glasses against yellow background.

Terry Smith

Trustee

I retired in December 2019, but previously served in the British Army, and had experience in the security and automotive...

Person in red jacket smiling against yellow background.

Lady Georgina Roberts

Trustee

Originally from rural Wales, I moved to London to train as a teacher and then work in the art world...

Smiling person against a yellow background.

Lesley Bambridge

Trustee

Lesley was brought up in West Norfolk but worked in London for about twenty years before returning to Norfolk around...

Smiling man against yellow background

Jo Pearson

Chair

I wanted to ensure, as best possible that every opportunity was afforded to as many young people as possible, at...

David

David Flux

Trustee

David has a keen interest in investing in the local area, allowing individuals and organisations to thrive. He has been...

Smiling person in glasses and scarf, yellow background.

Kerry Heathcote

Trustee

Kerry has over thirty years’ experience working in educational, custodial, and community settings, twenty of which have been spent in...

Schedule a Visit

We welcome prospective students, parents, commissioners, and supporters to visit our site and experience Open Road West Norfolk in person. Request a convenient time to meet our team, explore our facilities, and see our programmes in action.