Do it yourself and train to be the best

A TRAINING centre has opened in Oldham for youngsters from 15 upwards seeking the basics of a profession.

Two qualified tradesman — Mike Tattersall and Rob Ingham — have invested more than £35,000 to create a centre in Quebec Street, Westwood.

Home to Work was developed by Mike (51), from Derker, who has worked in the plastering profession for many years and as a teacher. Wanting to set up his own business, Mike persuaded Rob (63), from Royton, to come out of retirement and join the venture. Rob has bricklaying skills and will also lead on DIY courses. Home to Work, which is working with Oldham Council to become an accredited training centre for apprentices, is currently offering training in tiling, bricklaying and plastering, with decorating and painting about to be introduced.

“There are lots of people out there who need these skills as well as youngsters looking to acquire these skills before they apply for a job to give themselves more chance of landing the position,” says Mike, who has already attracted clients from his previous teaching work in Shrewsbury.

“They make a 150-mile trip to train here,” he said.

Rob added: “We had a professional man come to see about building a garden wall.

“He had been shocked by the prices quoted and within three days he was able to start the project himself, digging footing, adding the damp course and completing it to a high standard. We work one-to-one with everyone who comes in.

Mike and Rob spent months preparing the facilities, including a welcoming reception and office area, plus with individual and group training suites which allow students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen trade.

Added Mike: “We intend to train in a friendly environment and it is open to everyone, to fit around individual requirements.

“For example, if a DIY enthusiast wants to learn plastering, they can join one of our plastering courses and learn the skill in up to a week.

“School leavers wishing to take up an apprenticeship may not know which area or trade they would like to specialise in. With us they can try them all to see which one they prefer before choosing their career path.”

Rob is introducing a basic DIY course for women, including basic skills such as changing a tap washer, bleeding a radiator, changing an electric plug and fitting a smoke alarm.

The guys are having an open day on Saturday when the public can call in for a coffee and chat with the owners and tutors.

Visit www.hometoworktrainingschool.co.uk for more information.