About Us
Volunteer It Yourself (VIY)
VIY combines volunteering and DIY by challenging young people aged 14-24 to learn trade and building skills, on the job, by helping to refurbish and transform youth and community facilities in need of essential improvements (e.g. youth clubs, community centres, sports clubs, and arts, music and cultural venues).
The majority of young people who take part and benefit are disengaged or excluded from mainstream education and training, at risk of disengagement, and/or unemployed.
VIY participants are mentored by professional tradespeople and gain City & Guilds Entry Level 3 accreditation's as well as access to further training, work placement and apprenticeship opportunities with local providers and employers beyond the project.
VIY are looking for experienced tradespeople to deliver both on project work and the mentoring of our young volunteers. With a key focus on carpentry, painting and plumbing.
We are recruiting for this role on a freelance basis for projects across the Essex and Greater London area, presently with projects in Southend on Sea and Maldon.
Requirements of Role: Hands on trade experience, combined with the ability to provide mentoring and support to young learners/volunteers.
Overall purpose of role: At the direction of project site lead, provide mentoring and support to a group of young volunteers. To provide training and guidance, by demonstrating key skills and methods needed to carry out site works in P&D alongside Carpentry/Multi trade mentors and as necessary providing additional support where needed.
· To provide mentoring, support and guidance to young volunteers to inspire the next generation of tradespeople as they work to repair community buildings.

• To work with the Lead Mentor (VIY’s site foreman) overseeing the work of the young people, making sure the work is completed to a good standard.
• To work with our assessors to make sure there are enough jobs for the young people to complete their ‘Guided Learning Hours’ in each unit of the accreditation.
• To update the Lead Mentor on the progress and safety of the young people, sharing any concerns you have with them at all times.
• To train, up-skill and accredit young people, giving them knowledge and confidence and improve their employ-ability skills
• To represent and be the face of VIY, ensuring that VIY practice and values are communicated and adhered to by those you mentor.
• To channel young people into further training opportunities, work placements and apprenticeships via our progressions team.
• To communicate any site safety concerns to site lead.
• To communicate any safeguarding concerns through designated channels as per safeguarding policy.
• To help young people and community volunteers implement 'Retrofit' works while developing new skills

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience/Knowledge

• Experience of mentoring/supervising young adults, volunteers or paid staff. (D)
• Relevant trade experience/qualifications. (E)
• A commitment and an adherence to VIY values. (E)
• Knowledge of VIY and its core aims. (D)
• Demonstrable knowledge of the needs of young adults. (D)
• An understanding of the need to maintain safe working boundaries when working with young adults. (E)

Skills/abilities

• Patience, understanding, sensitivity and a willingness to listen. (E)
• Confident, engaging, articulate and motivational. (E)
• Ability to represent VIY and communicate its mission and values. (E)
• A flexible and understanding approach to working with young adults whose needs may vary or change over time. (E)
• Basic IT/Admin skills and access to mobile phone. (D)
• The ability to be supportive and non-judgemental regardless of a person’s age, race, sexuality, religion or disability. (E)
• To be willing to learn from your own and others’ experiences. (E)
• A commitment to empowering and enabling others. (E)

(E) = Essential requirements (D) = Desirable requirements
Job Type: Freelance
Pay: £120.00-£150.00 per day
Benefits:

• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• P&D: 3 years (required)
• Carpentry: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• CSCS (preferred)
• DBS (preferred)
• Driving Licence & access to vehicle (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 30/09/2024