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DIY-ERS CREATE DEMAND

The stagnant property market has created an unexpected demand at Further Education colleges across the country, as courses in practical DIY tasks such as plastering prove to be more popular than ever.

The number of people enquiring about learning these skills is so high that colleges are in desperate need of lecturers to teach the subjects and are working with Protocol National, a company that specialises in providing lecturers and Support Workers to FE colleges nationwide, to try and fill some of the vacancies.

Protocol National Chief Executive Phil Harrison explained why demand is so high, “The slump in the property market has left a lot of people with homes to sell thinking about improving what they’ve got rather than moving on. But with labour and material costs still high, many are taking on the tasks themselves.”

In 2008 around 425,000 personal loans worth more than £4 billion were taken out to pay for home improvements[1] and Phil says that this year people are just unable to afford to borrow to the same extent.

“Jobs such as installing an ensuite bathroom or converting the loft or garage can add value to a home, but can cost thousands of pounds. By carrying out some of the work themselves people realise they can not only keep costs down but there is also the potential to use their new found skills to generate extra income once the project is finished.”

This increased demand for DIY skills means qualified and experienced plasterers are urgently needed to work part time at colleges, passing on their skills to others.

Because it is part time, the work is flexible and can fit around a current job or family commitments, giving finances a boost and providing a great way of furthering a career or taking a sideways step.

To find out more about teaching plastering and other opportunities nationwide, call  0115 911 1200  or visit www.protocol-national.co.uk .