DIY skills in exchange for labour????

Taurus_3

I need to learn some building/DIY skills, I was wondering if there was a group or organisation something that could teach you how to do things in exchange for your labour. I am a single mother and I have been badly let down by workmen and dodgy builders. If you need something doing Do it yourself ....only I don't know how to. Can anyone help me and point me in the right direction, I have been searching the net and come up with nothing. Thanks G.

Syman

what you are looking for is essentially work experience. have you tried your local voluteer agency or jobcentre/ both should be able to give info on this.

dander

I have heard of community self-build projects that offer a similar idea to this - where a group of people build their own little new estate which they then live in, and in the process they gain building skills and often go on to find work in the building industry. However, I don't think there are very many of them about so you'd probably have to strike it very lucky to find one local to you.

http://www.communityselfbuildagency.org.uk/index.html

I would imagine it's tough to get on these schemes with a lot of hoop jumping and having to meet the exact profile of who they are aiming to help.

olias

A good DIY book (Collins/Readers Digest etc) is invaluable. They are really clearly written with lots of pictures and diagrams and easy to follow instructions. There are also loads of DIY clips on you tube so you can actually physically watch someone doing the job and explaining it (just search for say for example, 'how to change a tap washer').

Olias

Atelier

Have you looked for a local LETS scheme? It is a cashless skills exchange system where you earn "points" for someone making use of your skills and spend "points" by calling upon someone else.

Taurus wrote: »

I need to learn some building/DIY skills, I was wondering if there was a group or organisation something that could teach you how to do things in exchange for your labour. I am a single mother and I have been badly let down by workmen and dodgy builders. If you need something doing Do it yourself ....only I don't know how to. Can anyone help me and point me in the right direction, I have been searching the net and come up with nothing. Thanks G.

lagi

I am doing loads of diy and a lot of times could do with an extra pair of hands as are probably others. What part of the country do you live???

AdrianW2

I second Olias's post. You can also take basic DIY classes at adult education centres.

You may find that our aging demographic means that there's someone in your neighbourhood with plenty of experience but lacking the physical strength who'll be prepared to teach you, just for the satisfaction of passing skills on.

Taurus_3

I'm near Manchester.