The group, studying a range of courses including Electrical Installation, Carpentry and Brickwork played a key role in transforming the club’s darts hall through painting and decorating. As a longstanding hub for the local community, the club is currently undergoing refurbishment with support from VIY and groups of young volunteers.
VIY empowers young people aged 14 - 24 to repair and improve community spaces while gaining hands-on experience and learning practical trade skills. Mentored by experienced professionals, participants also have the opportunity to earn Entry Level City & Guilds accreditations during their time on site.
Chloe, a Level 1 Carpentry and Brickwork student, shared:
“It’s been quite therapeutic in a way. I’ve learnt a lot about the preparation involved in painting and decorating which I didn’t know before. I want to do interior design in the future, so this is really good for getting some experience.”
Mia, who studies Level 1 Carpentry, added:
“I’m looking to do an apprenticeship in painting and decorating so this is a great taster. I’ve really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun.”
Alan Dalton, VIY Mentor said:
“It’s been great to work with such a fantastic group of young people, and particularly a group primarily made up of young women entering an industry which has previously been very male-centric.
Preparation is both the most important and most difficult part of any project, and to see the learners carry it out accurately and with enthusiasm is brilliant. Our job is to show them the process and technique involved and then step back and have them apply them to the project. They’ve each had an area to take ownership over, meaning they can see a great before and after of their progress.”
Since its launch in 2011, VIY has completed more than 900 community projects and engaged over 16,000 young people across the UK, helping them take positive steps towards careers in construction and the wider trades.
You can learn more about the VIY programme by visiting www.teamviy.com.