Author: Evelyn Sharples

Role commencing December 2023 at Wolves Lane Horticultural Centre, N22 5JD 

ABOUT WOLVES LANE

Wolves Lane Centre is a thriving community hub in Wood Green, dedicated to sustainable growing, education, social enterprise, and community engagement. The centre aims to develop and distribute wholesome food, foster the local food economy through education and enterprise, and promote a healthier, more sustainable food culture in the area. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery and the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, we are undertaking a major site redevelopment, and work to ensure Wolves Lane’s long-term sustainability as a vibrant community space. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

This Paid Work Placement at Wolves Lane Centre will be an integral part of our dynamic and inclusive community space team focused on eco-building and the maintenance of our food-growing and community site. This role is intended for individuals between the ages of 18-25 or those from specified beneficiary groups, such as adults with additional needs or refugees. The primary goal is to provide practical paid work experience, skills development, and tailored support to enhance employability while contributing to the development and upkeep of Wolves Lane Centre.

Location: Wolves Lane Centre, N22 5JD
Duration: 25 weeks, 2 days per week (negotiable) 
Reports to: New Build Coordinator 
Pay: £10.75 ~ £13.15 per hour (negotiable to London Living Wage, depending on experience)
Application deadline: Midnight Monday 27th November
Interviews: w/c Monday 4th December
Start date: w/c 11th December

HOW TO APPLY

Please read the role description and person specification below and let us know how you think your skills and experience makes this traineeship right for you. Attach a CV or statement of your work/volunteer history, as well as either a cover letter or a video. We welcome applications even if you feel you don’t fulfil every element of the person specification. 

Please send your application and equalities monitoring form to jobs@wolveslane.org with ‘Eco-build and Site Maintenance Assistant – (your name)’ in the email title.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participate in eco-building projects at Wolves Lane Centre, which will often include working alongside our professional construction contractors on the big build, working with a range of traditional materials timber, clay and lime, indoors and out.
2. Contribute to the maintenance and development of our wider site and facilities here.
3. To collaborate with the Wolves Lane Centre team to organise inclusive events and activities, engaging community members and promoting genuine participation at the grass roots level.
4. Receive mentorship and guidance to build essential employment skills, such as teamwork, communication, time management, and problem-solving.
5. Attend and co-facilitate training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing knowledge of eco-building and infrastructural support for regenerative urban agriculture.
6. Work closely with the Employment Support Supervisor to set and achieve personal development goals.
7. Interact with fellow participants, the Wolves Lane Centre community, and our contractors onsite, in a positive, inclusive, and community-focused manner.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Skills, Knowledge, Ability, Commitments  

Essential Personal Qualities

• Desire to engage in physical labour and outdoor work, both within and without our glass houses and partially complete new buildings, which will include exposure to various weather conditions.
• Enthusiasm for sustainable and participatory practices in construction, and landscaping, aligned with the Wolves Lane Centre’s mission.
• Empathy, patience, and a positive attitude in working with diverse community members.
• Strong commitment to personal growth and employability development.
• Openness to diversity and the ability to work in an inclusive, multicultural setting.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to various tasks.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Basic computer literacy (e.g., word processing and email).

Desirable

• Aged between 18 and 25, or part of a specified beneficiary group (e.g., adults with learning disabilities, refugees).
• Skills/experience in land based work, labouring, green building, construction, decorating. 
• Comprehension of architectural information, construction drawings, 3D modelling, BIMx, and handbuilt models, ability to work to measure accurately across scales.
• Low-budget design and build problem solving skills. 
• Digital skills to support content generation for our comms, social media and fundraising efforts.
• No specific prior work experience is essential; however, a genuine interest in eco-building, agriculture, and/or community development is advantageous.