Scheme offers Newark people chance to learn new skills and support the community

Young people have been asked to come forward and regenerate community spaces while learning new vocational skills.

Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) which challenges young people to help upgrade community spaces while learning new skills, is looking for people aged 16 to 24 in Newark and Sherwood.

Those taking part gain on-the-job construction training, new vocational skills and mentoring from professional tradespeople.

They will also receive City and Guilds entry level three accreditation in construction skills and support with further training, work placement and apprenticeship opportunities.

VIY is looking to offer this opportunity to local youth groups, charities, youth organisations, schools and colleges in Newark and Sherwood who work with young people who are not engaged in education, employment or training.

This month, Newark Amateur Boxing Club — known as Suggy’s Gym — will be supporting the mission.

VIY will be redecorating the interior of the boxing gym, redoing an alleyway, and making changes to the back area of the gym.

Farnsfield Cricket Club will get involved in April.

The club has launched a girls’ team, but does not have a changing room for them so VIY is converting a storage room. It will also refresh other changing rooms and bathrooms with a repaint.

Newark and Sherwood District Council leader David Lloyd said: “I am delighted that the young people in the district have an opportunity to get involved in such an important initiative.

“By taking part in one of VIYs projects, young people who are disengaged from mainstream schooling will be able to gain vital skills, experiences and qualifications, allowing them to find a meaningful career that they will enjoy and find fulfilling.

“I highly encourage any youth group, or young person, who may feel they can benefit from a VIY project to get in touch with the team.”

Tim Reading, of VIY, said: “We’re delighted to see young people, skills and employability outcomes recognised across this fund, three things at the heart of our VIY mission, and we’re delighted to be delivering on these priorities on local community projects, working directly with young people, communities and people in the trade across Nottinghamshire.”

Those interested should email tess@teamviy.com.