The plan is that you leave our project having learnt new skills, met new people, achieved some qualifications, and hopefully have an improved level of confidence that will help you take positive future steps.
But what can you expect on day one of the project?! We’re all familiar with that ‘first day of school’ feeling, not sure what to expect, whether you’ll like what you’re doing, and will you get on with the staff and others involved. I’m here to tell you that there’s nothing to fear, and we’re definitely a friendly bunch, even Matthew!
If you’ve completed a project referral, our fantastic Engagement & Wellbeing Officer, Abi, will have been in touch with you to agree your start date and time. So, all you need to do is turn up at the agreed time, and we’ll guide you through the rest.
Make sure you arrive wearing clothes that are appropriate for the weather and practical working conditions. Trousers are essential, not shorts or skirts; whilst wearing layers is advised so you can remove and add layers to suit your comfort levels. Also make sure that long hair is tied back and nails are of a suitable length.
Please bring your own lunch, snacks, cutlery, and mug for tea/coffee. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we’re now unable to share mugs and cutlery.
When you arrive, Matthew or I will show you around the project location and introduce you to the other participants taking part in the project, we may even put the kettle on to ease you in! Due to the pandemic we currently work with a maximum of 4 people/day, so there’ll be 3 others in a similar position to you.
Abi will lead you through an induction, touching on important areas like health and safety, risks in the workplace, appropriate behaviour, wellbeing support and lots of other things – this will make sure you understand everything about the project and how to always keep yourself and others safe.
You’ll be supplied with a pair of safety working boots which are yours to keep at the end of the project, whilst we’ll give you the relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). You’ll wear a hi-vis vest, gloves and a breathable mask at all times, whilst ear defenders and safety goggles will be provided dependent on the work activity. These measures are to ensure your safety, so all we ask is that you listen to Matthew and I at all times.
You’ll be provided with a sealable storage container to safely store your personal belongings, such as your lunch, shoes, mobile phone and anything else, during the day.
Once you’ve completed your induction and worn your PPE, we’ll give you an overview of what types of activities will be taking place during the renovation, then we’ll get stuck in! We like participants to give things a go, utilising an active learning approach of ‘learning through doing’. You’ll be guided by Matthew and I to try out and develop new skills in a wide range of renovation areas – depending on the day this may include plastering, carpentry, painting & decorating, bathroom fitting, flooring and many others.
We generally have a tea-break around 10am, then a lunch break at 1pm. A space will be available to sit down, catch up over a cup of tea and take a well-earned break.
It’s also worth mentioning some of the changes we’ve made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hand sanitisers and hand wash is now readily available, whilst we keep all areas clean and disinfected on a regular basis. A COVID-19 risk assessment has been created and is available for anyone who wants to see it.
After lunch we’ll carry on with the learning, before wrapping up for the day late afternoon. Matthew and I are on-site until 4pm so you’re welcome to stay until then, however you can leave anytime before if you need to catch the bus, manage the school run, or get home.
We hope you enjoy learning with us as much as we enjoy supporting people to learn new skills.
See you soon.
Dai
If you would like to join our next project, please contact us today.
