PHASE 2 - GETTING STUCK IN
- Trainees who stay with us onto PHASE 2 can then practise the skills they have learnt in a real building situation.
- We have found that using commercial properties works well at this stage - in particular, refurbishing buildings for other charities or community organisations to use.
- An emphasis is still placed on the areas practiced in PHASE 1 but gradually the pressure of having to work more quickly is introduced. Some trainees are also given the responsibility of organising other people in their team.
In 2007 we secured a ten year lease from Southwark Council on a former GPs surgery in Camberwell. The building had been empty for five years, having been intermittently squatted.
The old surgery provided the perfect opportunity for a small team of our trainees to practise their renovation skills. These included: plasterboarding; plastering; carpentry; tiling; and painting and decorating. They also had the chance to develop their skills working as a team.
The former surgery is now let out to another charity. It comprises a large reception area / computer room and three separate offices.
Some of the trainees from this project moved on to paid work. Some moved on to specific trade courses such as City & Guilds in carpentry. Another has set up as a self-employer tiler.
The three pictures above all relate to this project.