A 3-month mentoring programme
Tools for Life is ETL’s three month long mentorship programme that teaches young people (16+) who face barriers to employment with the basic and fundamental skills of woodworking and DIY.
The aim of this personal programme is to empower the participants and boost their confidence while gaining new life skills, experience and exposure to opportunities in community building projects.
Next cohort starting in March!
If you are or know of a young person/s who could benefit from this programme, please share the opportunity. Applications for the spring edition will open in February 2024.
There will also be the opportunity to pop by the workshop and get an insight into what mentorship at our community workshop will look like, learn if this would be something for you and if needed get feedback on your application during our Open Day.
More information on dates to follow!
Tools for Life Programme Details
- The programme is 12-weeks long.
- Sessions are on Thursdays 13.00 – 16.00 (3 hours). Participants must be able to attend every session.
- Open to young people age 16 – 28 years old
- Free! We do ask each participant to support us with their testimonials and feedback on how this programme has been beneficial for them.
- Space is limited! Only 3 individuals are selected for the Mentorship Programme
Application process
Application deadline: Tuesday 20th February!
Have questions or want to see the workshop before applying? In February we will have an Open Day at the Porty Workshop where you can learn all about the programme and see if it would be something for you. Date still to be confirmed!
Tools for Life participant
“It’s good to feel part of your community, help that community, and meet lots of interesting people.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the programme consist in?
Duration: 1 session a week for 12 weeks
Time: 3 hours
Week 1 to 6 – Workshop time
The first six weeks focuses on the workshop and learning the use of tools and machines whilst constructing items for your own home. Basic woodworking skills is at the core of these sessions, learning all about material use and how to approach a new building project.
Week 7 to 12 – Out in the community
The second half focuses on bringing your new learned skills into action for the community. In collaboration with community projects, the TFL team works on some specific building projects further developing your skills together and learning how to approach commission work.
There is opportunity for a professional workshop tour and to visit maker spaces in the city. We also offer ample signposting for further learning and employment opportunities.
What are the age brackets?
Tools for Life is suitable for young people who are 16 – 28 years old. It could either be for someone starting their working career path, someone changing career paths or someone looking for more experience in the field.
As we know from experience, the amount of opportunities in the creative making sector for young people is not extensive and they become even less when older. We therefore have made a conscious decision to widen the age range and make this opportunity available for as many individuals.
What do you consider a barrier to employment?
We believe that the following can be barriers that can unfairly hinder someone’s ability to get a job, or stay in employment:
- Age
- Disability
- Employment gaps
- Housing issues
- Financial troubles
- Childcare
- Lack of skills and training
- Little or no work experience
- Gaps in education
Can the participants still be in school?
Yes, participants can still be in school and we hope that this programme would especially be beneficial for school pupils that are on a part-time timetable.
Is the programme free?
Yes! We are very happy to offer this programme for free with the support from the National Lottery Community Fund. But we do ask each participant to support us with their testimonials and feedback on how this programme has been beneficial for them and help promote the programme by being stars on our socials.
For any other questions, please contact janet@edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk
Meet Fran our mascot
So far, Fran the Router has supported twelve trainees to graduate through our program, with many more to come. Will you be part of their journey?
