SHU Transform is a multi-intervention, post-16 higher education preparation programme delivered by Sheffield Hallam University. Designed for Year 12 students and running into Year 13, the programme provides four engaging on-campus experiences and ongoing online support. Students explore one of five subject strands—Sport, Art & Design, Law, Business, or Computing—while developing key transferable skills. Sessions include subject tasters, team projects, skills workshops, and university insights. Throughout the programme, students engage in a group-based Innovation Challenge and reflect on their personal development using the Skills Builder Benchmark platform, which helps them identify, track, and evaluate their progress.
SHU Transform consistently integrates Skills Builder terminology and definitions across all sessions through use of powerpoint and in the workbook. Students use Benchmark to self-assess their essential skills using the Skills Builder Framework at the start and end of the programme, selecting specific steps to focus on. Daily reflections and guided prompts within the workbook help them assess their development throughout. Activities, such as a VR-based teamwork task and a Dragons’ Den-style Innovation Challenge, are designed to support measurable progress in skills like communication, Teamwork, Problem Solving, and Staying Positive.