VIY is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting young people by combining volunteering with trade and construction work experience. Through short-term, hands-on renovation projects at community venues, young people gain employability skills, professional mentoring, and City & Guilds accreditations.
Whether you’re NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) or at risk of becoming NEET, our projects provide accessible and flexible opportunities to explore trade careers, develop employability skills, and boost your confidence.
Who We Are
At VIY, we help young people to unlock their potential by learning hands-on trade skills. By volunteering on projects that transform community spaces, young people not only develop practical construction skills but also enhance their teamwork, communication, and self-confidence.
Since 2011, we’ve supported over 15,000 young volunteers in gaining valuable skills and experiences that open doors to further training and employment opportunities in construction and beyond.
Our Vision for Young People
To inspire young people to build a better future by developing new skills, fostering resilience, and improving employability while making a tangible impact in their local communities.
Our Values
● We’re all about collaboration – we love working with like-minded people and organisations to achieve great things for young people and local communities.
● We’re flexible – we empower individuals to be their best and do their best work.
● We’re inclusive – we offer equal opportunities and a level playing field to everyone on our programmes, to suit different backgrounds and needs.
● We’re a passionate bunch – we really care about what we do and we’re driven to help our young people realise their full potential.
● We’re progressive – we’re a unique experience, constantly striving to deliver bigger and better experiences and impact for all.
Current Opportunities
Volunteer It Yourself Projects
Learners gain:
● Bite-sized volunteering opportunities to learn construction trade skills.
● Mentoring by professional tradespeople.
● Entry Level 3 City & Guilds trade accreditations (minimum 3 days).
● Employability workshops to build soft skills like confidence and teamwork.
● Support in exploring further opportunities in trades, including guidance toward CSCS cards.
Flexible Scheduling
Projects are tailored to accommodate learners’ existing commitments, with support for travel and lunch where needed.
The VIY Experience
● Learn trade skills in a practical environment.
● Build confidence and teamwork skills with the guidance of experienced mentors.
● Complete short, flexible placements with support to find pathways to further careers in trades.
● Watch this 60-second video to see the VIY experience in action!
Volunteer and Collaboration Opportunities
VIY welcomes organisations and partners interested in engaging young people through practical, impactful experiences.
Benefits for Learners:
● Earn City & Guilds Entry Level 3 accreditations.
● Access employability workshops and further training support.
● Opportunities to connect with future employers and obtain a CSCS card.
Project Details, Locations & Dates
Kings Lynn, Norfolk
Venue: Springwood Family Centre
Dates: 6- 17 January
Scope: Build a shelter and play walls
Qualification: Entry Level 3, Carpentry
Eligibility: King’s Lynn/ West Norfolk residents, economically inactive/ unemployed
Venue: North Lynn Family Centre
Dates: 20- 31 January
Scope: Build outdoor planters and canopy
Qualification: Entry Level 3 City and Guild Carpentry
Eligibility: King’s Lynn/ West Norfolk residents, economically inactive/ unemployed
Venue: St Augustine’s Family Centre
Dates: 24 Feb- 7 March
Scope: Internal decoration
Qualification: Entry Level 3 City and Guild Painting and decorating
Eligibility: King’s Lynn/ West Norfolk residents, economically inactive/ unemployed
Southend
Venue: Garon Park
Dates: January 2025
Scope & Qualification: TBC
Location: Cricket Pavilion, Eastern Ave, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4FA
Eligibility: Southend residents, economically inactive/ unemployed
Venue: Combat Academy
Dates: March/ April
Scope & Qualification: TBC
Location: 18-20 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2ND
Eligibility: Southend residents, NEET/ risk of NEET
Gateshead
Venue: Teams Life Centre
Dates: 03/03/2025 – 14/03/2025
Scope: Redecorating the Sports Hall
Qualification: Painting & decorating / Health and Safety
Location: Askew Road West, Gateshead NE8 2PW
Eligibility: Gateshead resident
York
Venue: Hull Road Park
Dates: 13/01/2025 – 24/01/2025
Scope: Creating woodland paths and updating, repairing timber planters and composting units
Qualification: Joinery / Health and Safety
Location: Hull road park, Alcuin Ave, York YO103TQ
Eligibility: York Residents
Venue: Ad Astra
Dates: 10/02/2025 to 21/02/2025
Scope & Qualification: TBC
Location: Elvington Industrial Estate, Elvington, YO41 4AR
Eligibility: York Residents
