Handy Man

Handy Man Course

1 to 7/8 week courses and longer - We can tailor make courses to suit you!

We can run a course at very short notice!

Our courses are tailored to suit the needs of those wanting to learn the fundamentals of the various trades. The courses start most Mondays so can be run at short notice. During each week students will build confidence with the materials and tools commonly used through a mix of theory and practical experience.

If you are looking to get qualified, we have developed intense programs designed to give you the confidence and underpinning knowledge required for you to work toward achieving an NVQ2 at a later date. In addition, we will help you take the first steps towards achieving your site safety card (CSCS card) as well as help you to register and give you advice regarding CITB criteria for holding the card. The CITB will then guide and support you in the achievement of the card which will enable you to work on site.

Below is a brief overview of the courses we offer.

 Wall & Floor Tiling
Our course is designed with a practical, quick learner in mind. The course involves assessing wall space, measuring and marking up and problem solving with full hands-on experience. You will be put to the test working around basins, baths and toilets and on occasions you will be challenged with uneven wall surfaces. During the week’s training you will be assessed and assistance will be given in areas which you may find difficult. The course can run from one to six weeks by which time you should have covered all the underpinning knowledge for an NVQ level 2.

 Painting and Decorating
The aim of this course is to cover the basics in handling materials, problem solving, protecting surrounding areas, preparation of surfaces, filling and degreasing and preparing timber, metal and cement surfaces. To finish off you will work on the application of paints by brush and roller on absorbent and non-absorbent materials and backgrounds. The course can run from one to six weeks by which time you should have covered all the underpinning knowledge for an NVQ level 2.

 Plastering
A highly useful skill and for those who are fully qualified a highly lucrative trade. In addition to the fundamentals of mixing and applying plaster the course covers the correct method of cutting and fixing plasterboard, the preparation of surfaces in readiness to receive backing plasters, sand/cement and other Gypsum based plasters. Finally, you will cover the application of plaster to damp-proofed areas, silicon injected and Bitumen based products. The course can run from one to six weeks by which time you should have covered all the underpinning knowledge for an NVQ level 2.

 Metal Partitioning & Drylining
The aim of this course is to instruct you in the erection of metal stud partitioning. Working from plan you will be shown how to ‘set out’ the site, and lay metal track in readiness for the studwork.

 Kitchen Fitting
This course includes basic electrics and plumbing for fitting a kitchen. You will gain familiarity with the common hand tools including tap wrench and adjustable spanners and power tools like the scribe jig and biscuit cutter. Additionally, you will cover the following:
levelling of base units to datum line, fitting wall units in correct position to allow for tiling where required; fit and fix work tops to base units using either biscuit cutter or butt and scribe jig; correct use of template to cut out worktop to seat the inset sink unit, scribe worktops to back walls; and connect 15mm tap connectors and pipe up sink taps, connect various sink wastes, pipe blanked ends for dishwasher and washing machine.

 Bathroom Installation
This is another popular DIY course in which students will learn the fundamentals of bathroom installation. Dealing with the most common fixtures, this course will include many elements of plumbing to enable you to feel confident in the installation of those fixtures.

 Electrics
We can discuss basic electrics with you, however due to strict Health & Safety regulations we would suggest you look at achieving City & Guilds and EAL qualifications, for example C&G 2381-16th Edition, C&G 2377 – Portable Appliance Testing, EAL Part P. We also run a 4 week Domestic Electrical Course.

 Bricklaying
This course is specifically designed for people looking to learn the skill of bricklaying, but have little or no knowledge; it will give maximum bricklaying skills in five days using bricks and blocks. The course can run from one to six weeks by which time you should have covered all the underpinning knowledge for an NVQ level 2.

Artexing
The aim of the course is to show you the correct method of applying plasterboard to ceilings. We will cover background preparation and treatments showing you how to tape and caulk the ceilings and to prime or seal different surfaces on ceilings and walls ready for artexing patterns to be applied.

 Roofing
Much of work during this week will be practical to introduce you to the different type of roof coverings from concrete to slate tiles. The candidate will also learn how to lay hip and ridge crest tiles and bed them correctly to provide a water tight finish to the roof. A small amount of theory will be used to cover undercloaking, soakers and flashing around the chimney stack. The course can run from one to six weeks by which time you should have covered all the underpinning knowledge for an NVQ level 2.

 Carpentry
This is a very rewarding and useful area, often overshadowed by the demand for plumbing skills.  The course can run from one to six weeks by which time you should have covered all the underpinning knowledge for an NVQ level 2.  Some examples of what you will gain competency in are: making door frames/linings, fixing architraves and skirtings and scribing to irregular surfaces.

 Plumbing
This course is a hands-on course designed to give practical experience in the art of plumbing, giving maximum pipe skills in five days including the fitting of a bathroom suite, kitchen sink and washing machine and also including the fitting of all necessary waste pipes plus an outside tap; all to current regulations.