The Vocational Skills Unit (VSU) is a self-contained facility based in the grounds of both South Hill and Ashleigh and operates as an independent service.

The focus of the unit is to deliver work experience and training in a variety of vocational areas. Service users work alongside staff and are actively involved in all developments and projects.

The unit has excellent horticultural facilities, a small animal care facility, various workshops and resources to enhance the wide variety of learning and working opportunities.

Service users also maintain the gardens at a number of ESPA establishments and effect small repairs and maintenance around the college and gardens, including painting, decorating, joinery and construction.

The unit is staffed by an enthusiastic, experienced and competent team of vocational skills tutors who facilitate individually tailored training opportunities to meet the specific needs of each service user.

The atmosphere of the unit is cheerful but business-like and the service users enjoy a very wide range of activities that have positive and clear outcomes.

The unit has accreditation to deliver a range of externally validated courses in several occupational areas, as well as diverse in-house courses.