Are you interested in finding paid work?
Bits and Bobs could help you find a job!
“Bits and Bobs helped me find a job I really enjoy. I started my new job with confidence because I already knew what I was good at and Luca (Bits and Bobs supported employment worker) came along and gave me some coaching in the first few weeks to get me started.”
What training is on offer at Bits and Bobs?
Bits and Bobs is a project of the registered Scottish charity Intowork.
Bits and Bobs is a social enterprise providing ‘hands-on’ training, work experience, a chance to have a say in a real business and assistance to find a job. Trainee Workers learn about all aspects of the day to day running of the business. They sort and price goods in the warehouse, serve customers, answer the telephone and carry out office tasks. This experience helps them to decide what kind of work they are best suited to. When they are coming to the end of their time with Bits and Bobs trainee workers are supported to move on to a job which most closely suits their talents and ambitions.
What does the business do?
Bits and Bobs scrapstore (warehouse and shop) is located in Broomhouse to the south west of Edinburgh.
We collect safe scrap materials from businesses and sort and display them to sell cheaply to community groups, school and artists for art and play projects. By doing this we help the environment as materials are otherwise being dumped in landfill as rubbish.
The scrapstore is open four days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Trainee workers usually come in for at least two days per week and work for between 8 and 18 hours.
Who is eligible to become a trainee worker?
Anyone with a learning disability or an acquired brain injury.
When could I start?
We recruit several times a year. We are now looking for some new Trainee Workers to join the group now.
Read on to see if this opportunity is right for you or someone you know. What kind of person makes a good Trainee Worker?
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Reliable: Stick with a task until it is finished and can ask for help when you get stuck.
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Keen to work: You want to find a job and you want to do something useful for the community and the environment.
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Polite: You are friendly and helpful at all times. You say please and thank you.
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Good Time Keeper: You turn up at work and are not too early or late.
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Independent Traveller: You are able to get to work by yourself. Though some help can be offered with this at first.
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Good Appearance: Always neat, clean and tidy to give a good impression to customers.
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Want to have a say in a real business: Take part at Business Meetings, listen carefully to others and voice your ideas and suggestions.
If you can say “yes” to all of these then Bits and Bobs may be the opportunity you are looking for. You can download an application form from this website or call 0131 443 9490 to arrange to come to the scrapstore for a visit.
One trainees experience... by Leona Slipper
On Tuesday 7th November 2006 some of the Bits and Bobs staff and I went to a Good Practice event and award ceremony in Glasgow. I had a lot of people coming up to the stall and asking me what Bits and Bobs do and how long the project has been running.
I tried to tell them how long it has been running for, but I wasn’t sure so I had to ask the staff. They told them that it was launched in 2001.
Then they asked me how long I had been working for the project and I told them that I have been working at Bits and Bobs for 1 ½ years.
When we started I felt really nervous and apprehensive talking to the public about the project and what we do. Later on I felt a lot more confident and able to tell people about Bits and Bobs.
I also did a workshop called beauty therapy, where there were five beauty technicians. They were also giving out beauty treatments.
They wiped my fingers with cotton wool and polish remover. They tried to file my nails, but had to stop as I don’t have enough nails. So they just put a pink design on and then they put a clear varnish on top.
We went to the train station to get the 4.30 train back to Haymarket. The train got into the station at 5.10, so I did not get home till 5.30. I was absolutely shattered, but I thoroughly enjoyed my day.
Leona’s leaving speech 25th May 2007
I will be sad to leave Bits and Bobs, as I have really enjoyed working here as part of a team.
The things that I liked doing was the sorting and pricing of the stock…and all the other new experiences, too many to mention. I enjoyed doing events, I’ve done quite a few.
I feel I have found friendship and support while I have been working here. I liked meeting new people like staff, trainees and volunteers.
I have had some really good times working with you all and I really want to thank you for your help and support over the last 2 and a half years.
I would like to thank all the staff for the training they have given me.
Leona
Tue 28 Nov 2006
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