Background
Medway Volunteer Workshop is a registered Charity Incorporated Organisation. Volunteers at our Gillingham based workshop refurbish all tools, pillar drills, generators and air compressors. We also refurbish sewing machines and make up carpenters kits for ‘Tools With A Mission’ who send around 20 containers to Africa every year, each filled with over 10 tonnes of tools. Volunteers have the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing by being able to communicate and socialise with a diverse community interested in using their electrical, carpentry and engineering skills. Our volunteers are predominantly retired but benefit from learning new skills and refreshing old ones they may have used in the work environment. Our volunteers also benefit from learning how to work safely in a workshop and to build self-confidence in using the range of tools we have available. Employability skills are also embedded into our operations – with volunteers developing skills such as time management, supervision and creativity.
Overview of Programme
Start Date – 1 March 2025
End Date – 28 February 2026
The programme is a rolling 6 week volunteer experience placement aimed at anyone over the age of 18 seeking to learn or develop their carpentry, electrical or engineering skills.
This would be of particular interest to those who are interested in or have prior experience of working in these vocations or even the armed or public services. The programme also seeks to address mental and health well-being. Volunteers will have the opportunity to observe and participate in the wide range of refurbishment activities we currently offer.
At the end of the placement, those volunteers that successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate of achievement that can be used as part of their portfolios if seeking employment or volunteering opportunities elsewhere.
Must be able to work safely in a workshop environment.
Must be aged over 18.
Must be able to understand basic instructions in English.
There are no public transport links to the workshop so access to alternative transport options to and from the premises is beneficial.