Knight Fencing Delivers Hands-On Workshop at West Sussex Alternative Provision Centre

The Knight Fencing team recently visited the Littlehampton Alternative Provision College (APC) to run a hands-on workshop, helping students gain practical skills and build something they could be proud of.

The session was arranged through the West Sussex Careers Hub, following a conversation with Sian Lewis about offering real-world experiences to students who don’t always thrive in traditional school environments. With fencing projects off the table due to health and safety, the team came up with a more accessible and rewarding challenge: building outdoor furniture.

Over the course of a morning, students constructed a three-seater bench, a picnic table, and a trellis planter – which they then filled with compost and bedding plants. The workshop was delivered by Knight Fencing’s Danny Knight, Shane Hammond, and Sean Martin, with support from APC staff.

One APC staff member said:

“The furniture looks so sturdy and well-made. When I arrived, one of the students was sitting at the bench he’d made with a staff member, which was lovely to see. I know from talking with the students that they benefited from the experience, especially those who thrive on engaging with meaningful, hands-on tasks.”

The pilot session was fully funded by Knight Fencing, with hopes to run more at other APCs across the country, depending on funding and demand.

Reflecting on the visit, Managing Director Danny Knight said:

“Not every young person connects with traditional classroom learning, but when they get to build something real, something they can sit on or use, you see their confidence grow. It was a rewarding day for everyone involved.”

This initiative is part of Knight Fencing’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people and encouraging future careers in practical, hands-on industries.