What we do

Hands On runs a number of short courses, aimed at people who want to learn to do simple repairs around the home; people who want to develop their skills and confidence; and people who think they might be interested in getting a job in construction.

The courses we run are listed below. In evaluations all participants reported that they had learnt new skills and gained in confidence.

Joinery

The basic joinery course runs for half a day per week over 9 weeks. For the first four weeks participants make a simple item, including a picture frame, birdbox, box and clock. For the rest of the course participants make a bigger item such as a table. The course teaches how to use simple woodworking tools, such as a saw, chisel and drill, and different techniques for joining wood.

This course is now accredited and participants can gain an OCN Entry Level Award "Introduction to Carpentry and Joinery".

What people said: "Very helpful tutor" "I really enjoyed myself"

DIY

This course runs for half a day per week over four weeks. It covers basic painting and decorating, tiling, locks, draughtproofing, putting up shelves and basic plumbing jobs. Three of the sessions are run at the workshop and one in a house, to give participants experience of working in a real-life situation.

What people said: "Just the small amount we have done has given me the confidence to have a go at home"

"Brilliant course in the community and I found it very useful for helping me to tackle jobs in the home which I would previously have called out a contractor for"

Plumbing

Running for half a day per week over four weeks, the course covers cutting, cold joining and soldering pipes, an overview of water and heating systems, common plumbing tasks such as replacing a tap and unblocking a sink, and routes into the plumbing trade.

What people said: "It was an excellent course and a good experience"

Cycle Maintenance

This is a half day course, participants bring their own bike to work on and learn how to clean it properly, mend a puncture, adjust brakes and gears. 

Container gardening

This is a half day course, participants make a timber container and then plant it with herb, salad and flower seedlings.