Workshop Assistant

About the opportunity

Volunteers are needed to carry out repairs and refurbishments on items of furniture. We are looking for individuals with previous carpentry, upholstery and DIY skills. Ideally Workshop Assistants would also help up-skill other volunteers by providing basic training.

The project offers a supportive working atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Volunteers receive varied work experience and on the job training with the aim of assisting people back into paid work. The project also helps with this by providing support with job applications and CV writing. There are also potential opportunities to complete NVQs and other formal training.

Workshop Assistants will;

- Re-upholster a wide range of items such as chairs, tables, cots, drawers, cabinets and wardrobes
- Utilise carpentry skills to check the safety of damaged donated goods
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment in the workshop
- Carry out DIY and repairs to furniture
- Select furniture and other items from the showroom for refurbishment
- Participate in any training required such as Health and Safety
- Assist project with training new staff on workshop procedures and techniques

About SOFA

Sofa is a Registered Charity originally set up to provide low cost furniture to those in need with additional benefits of providing work experience and training for individuals seeking employment. Just as important now is our role in recycling and re-use by making effective use of donated furniture and reducing landfill.

What are we looking for?

Previous experience in carpentry, upholstery and DIY is required for this role. A positive and friendly attitude, a willingness to learn new skills and to work in a cooperative manner is essential. All volunteers must be able to manage their own responsibilities and work under their own initiative. Volunteers cannot be guaranteed to be supervised at all times. They must also be able to work as part of a team and possess good communication skills to deal with members of the general public. Above all else volunteers must be reliable and committed to the project.

Practical Considerations

From Loughborough railway station head towards the town centre over the canal bridge along Nottingham Road. SOFA is located on the right, on the corner of Clarence Street.

From Loughborough town centre walk towards Derby Road. Turn right onto Derby Road and then turn left onto Nottingham Road. Follow Nottingham Road down until you reach Sofa on the left, on the corner of Clarence Street.